Use and Trends of Diabetes Self-Management Technologies: A Correlation-Based Study

Abstract

Applications and systems for diabetes self-management are growing and involve a vast majority of factors to consider. This study was aimed at examining the integration of portable technologies for diabetes self-management, as well as benefits and issues arising of its use. From a web-based study on several groups of people with diabetes, most of them accustomed to the daily use of devices and applications for self-control, a deeper analysis based on correlations and inference was conducted considering information about the disease, technology knowledge and devices handling, use of technologies for diabetes control and management, and training with devices from a clinical and educational viewpoint. In this study, more than 70% of participants use Continuous Glucose Systems and additional devices (41.85% also use insulin pumps) which impacts positively on the knowledge of incoming technologies. The “easy to use” factor of current apps for diabetes self-management is the most valuable feature. Also, 88.98% of participants did not use gamification-based methods during the initial training sessions, although gamification is a useful technique in learning stages. An inference analysis shows how specific characteristics of diabetes devices and apps should improve. On the basis of the results, we discuss about benefits, shortcomings, and the state of these technologies and patient needs for the future.

Perception and utilisation of information and communication technology (ICT) in the management of diabetes in children: Insights from health students in Indonesia

“…The augmentation of knowledge and skills among students in utilising ICT coupled with familial and environmental support, has the potential to significantly amplify the effectiveness of paediatric diabetes management. [16][17][18][19] This research distinguishes itself from previous studies as it focused on exploring the perceptions and utilisation of ICT in managing diabetes in children among Indonesian health students. The researcher's goal was to delve into methodological perspectives and introduce innovative approaches, setting them apart from existing studies.…”

Digital Interventions for Self-Management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analysis

“…Although it is difficult to estimate the acceptance of digital health in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) for methodological reasons [1], patients have access to a growing number of digital health technologies to support self-management of their condition. A recent study in Italy found that more than 70% of participants use continuous glucose systems [2]. The concept of self-management as an important part of long-term management of chronic diseases is gaining acceptance and it is now considered essential for achieving long-term improvement in health outcomes and quality of life [3].…”