Navigating the digital health landscape in U.S. adults with diabetes

Digital health technologies including mobile apps, web portals, and connected devices can enhance diabetes care, but population-level data on their use and attitudes toward data sharing among U.S. adults with diabetes are limited. This study examined patterns of digital health use, online communication, and willingness to share health data.

Data were drawn from a national online survey conducted in March 2020, using the Qualtrics online panel with quota sampling on race/ethnicity, gender, education and age. Of 828 respondents, 121 reported a diabetes diagnosis and were included in the analysis. Measures included demographics, internet-connected device and health app use, health-related internet behaviors, and willingness to share data.

Nearly all respondents reported daily internet use, but fewer than two-thirds used it for health purposes and only 56% had health-specific apps. Most common health purposes were searching for information (60%) or reviewing test results (42%). Data sharing was reported by 40% with providers and 36% with family. Engagement varied by age, education, employment, and insurance, but not by race or geographic region.

Despite broad internet access, digital health engagement and trust in data-sharing among U.S. adults with diabetes remains limited, with gaps concentrated among older adults and those with lower socioeconomic resources.