Research Outline

Diabetes and Technology

Goals

To obtain information into diabetes, insulin, and the challenges diabetics face. To determine if diabetics are receptive to new technology that would help better manage their insulin in order to determine how to promote a product directly to consumers and health-care providers.

Early Findings

Definition of Diabetes

  • Diabetes is a disease that is associated with one's blood sugar levels. Blood glucose is the main source of the human body's energy which is supplied by food.
  • Insulin is the most common medicine used to manage diabetes.

Top Challenges Diabetics Face

Technology

  • Some technological advances in managing diabetes within the past few years include "continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), artificial pancreas (AP) systems, and continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII)."
  • These technologies have been proven to be much more efficient in comparison to traditional approaches.
  • Psychosocial factors affect individuals more than biomedical factors. Manufacturers should take this into consideration when designing these technologies.
  • It is of paramount importance to understand the reasons patients reject new devices/technologies.
  • Surprisingly, those who are thought to be more tech-savvy are less likely to embrace new technology.
  • One reason could be the fact that these devices are visible which could warrant unsolicited attention.
  • A study shows that younger children are more fascinated wit these newer systems while their parents are concerned with the risks and the devices' mechanisms.