Customizing the Types of Technologies Used by Patients With Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus for Diabetes Treatment: Case Series on Patient Experience

Abstract

Background Despite the fact there are many wearable and mobile medical devices that enable patients to better self-manage their diabetes, not many patients are aware of all the options they have. In addition, there are those who are not fully satisfied with the devices they use, and those who often do not use them effectively. Objective The study aimed to propose possible changes to the combination of devices used by 6 specific patients for diabetes self-management. We assessed the suitability of selected technical devices for diabetes control. Methods Data of 6 patients (3 men and 3 women) with type 1 diabetes mellitus, who had been using the Diani telemedicine system for at least 3 months, were analyzed. The suitability of selected technical devices for diabetes control was ascertained using the data obtained via the Diani telemedicine system, as well as the patients’ subjective feelings and statements, their everyday life habits, and self-management of diabetes. Informed consent was signed and obtained from each of the patients included. Results Each of the presented case studies describes how a given patient handled the system and its specific components based on his or her lifestyle, level of education, habits related to diabetes management, personality type, and other factors. At the conclusion of each case study, the best composition of devices for patients with similar personal descriptions was suggested. Conclusions We believe this study can provide relevant guidance on how to help particular patients choose the technology that is best suited for their needs, based on the specific patient information we are able to obtain from them. Furthermore, clinicians or educators should be aware of available technologies a given patient can choose from. In addition, there is a substantial need for proper patient education in order for them to effectively use devices for diabetes self-management.

Perceptions of Using Multiple Mobile Health Devices to Support Self‐Management Among Adults With Type 2 Diabetes: A Qualitative Descriptive Study

“…Mobile health devices hold potential to improve T2DM self‐management because these devices enable individuals to monitor daily physiologic, behavioral, and lifestyle‐related elements of the disease; however, the devices alone do not manage the disease. Understanding of the benefits and challenges of using mobile health devices is necessary for users to sustain engagement with these mobile devices (Holubova, Vlaskova, Muzik, & Broz, 2019; Nelson, Coston, Cherrington, & Osborn, 2016; Shan, Sarkar, & Martin, 2019). Our findings showed that many study participants found it feasible, helpful, and acceptable to use a wrist‐worn activity tracker, a wireless glucometer, and a cellular scale to monitor and track their patient‐generated health data over a 6‐month period.…”

Type 1 Diabetes Management Using Information Communication Technology

“…To be able to give proper advice about the apps and also type of device that would be the most suitable for a patient, specific information is required: the patient's personality, technical skills, daily regimen, attitude to diabetes, preferences in data visualization and functionalities, willingness to learn new things, and motivational means (Holubová et al, 2019).…”

DiaFit: Designing Customizable Wearables for Type 1 Diabetes Monitoring

“…Adults with T1D are adopting, carrying, and using devices in varied and individualized ways to suit their everyday lives [20,28], and demonstrate a need and desire for bespoke and personalized self-care devices [33]. For example, Holubová et al [11] have suggested that physically active people with T1D tend to conceal that information from others and could beneft from a technology that would not be an obstacle during physical activity and would not call attention to itself. Other studies, such as the one by Riddell et al [25] and Messer et al [17] have shown that their participants indicated that the monitors interfered with sports and outdoor play.…”