Wonder

Research Outline

Prepared for Yvonne S. | Delivered January 25, 2020

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 DiabetesDiabetes 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 FaceEven though there are several medications available, they are expensive. If insurance does not cover the cost, the copay options are still expensive.
Less than 10% of diabetics are appropriately educated on how to manage it. 
Most patients may not have access to the tools that they can use for self-monitoring. 
Most diabetics are also battling high blood pressure and high cholesterol which makes it hard to keep track of all the different medication. In order to ensure medication adherence, there are programs that send patients reminders to take their medication. 
TechnologySome 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. 