DiabetesWise: An innovative approach to promoting diabetes device awareness

DiabetesWise is an unbranded, data-driven online resource that tailors device recommendations based on preferences and priorities of people with insulin-requiring diabetes. The objective of this study is to examine whether DiabetesWise increases uptake of diabetes devices, which are empirically supported to improve glycemic and psychosocial outcomes.

The sample included 458 participants (M_age  = 37.1, SD = 9.73; 66% female; 81% type 1 diabetes) with insulin-requiring diabetes and minimal diabetes device use at enrollment. Participants used DiabetesWise and completed online surveys. Chi-square and t tests evaluated requests for a device prescription, receiving a prescription, and starting a new device at 1 and 3 months post use. Baseline predictors of these variables and past use of continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) and changes in diabetes distress post use were also examined.

Within the first month of interacting with DiabetesWise 19% of participants asked for a prescription for a diabetes device. This rate rose to 31% in the first 3 months. These requests resulted in 16% of the sample starting a new device within the first 3 months. Whereas several factors were associated with prior CGM use, receiving a prescription, and starting a new device, more diabetes distress (t(343) = -3.13, p = .002) was the only factor associated with asking for a prescription. Diabetes distress decreased after interacting with DiabetesWise within 1 month (t(193) = 3.51, p < .001) and 3 months (t(180) = 5.23, p < .001).

Within 3 months of interacting with DiabetesWise, one in three participants had requested a prescription for a new diabetes device and average distress levels were reduced, indicating benefit from this low-intensity online platform.