Diabetes technology use in the Middle East and Southeast Asia: penetrance, challenges, and unmet needs

Little data exist on the extent of diabetes technology use in the treatment of diabetes in young people outside high-income, Western countries. Here we explored uptake of diabetes technology in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and beyond.

A multinational, cross-sectional survey was distributed via major pediatric endocrine societies to healthcare professionals (HCPs) managing children and adolescents with diabetes. The survey assessed CGM and insulin pump penetrance, challenges to adoption, and perceived solutions.

Based on 196 responses from 27 countries, a profound technology gap was confirmed. Nearly half of HCPs (49.2%) reported CGM use in fewer than 5% of their patients, while insulin pump use was even lower, with 74.1% reporting use in under 5% of their pediatric population. While lack of financial resources was the principal barrier (>95%), HCPs also highlighted critical non-financial needs, including simpler technology (53.3%), maintaining patient motivation (52.3%), and deficits in provider training (47.2%) and structured patient education (46.7%).

The adoption of modern diabetes technology is critically low in these regions, reinforcing the existence of an interregional "technology gap". Improving outcomes for children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes not only relies on funding to promote equitable access but also support through culturally-adapted education for providers, patients, and their families.