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Contemporary Diabetes Technology and the Patient Experience
Estelle M Everett1,2,3, Erin Shaw1, Bryan Escobar Barrios1
1Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, & Metabolism, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles.
JAMA Network Open
|July 21, 2026
Summary
Advanced diabetes technology in type 1 diabetes care impacts more than glucose levels. Patients face environmental, travel, and digital security concerns alongside benefits, highlighting needs for improved technology design and support.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology and Metabolism
- Medical Technology
- Psychosocial Health
Background:
- Insulin pumps, continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), and automated insulin delivery (AID) systems are increasingly used in type 1 diabetes (T1D) management.
- While these technologies improve glycemic control, their full impact on patients' daily lives and psychosocial well-being is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the psychosocial and emerging dimensions of using modern diabetes technology in adults with T1D.
- To identify patient-reported benefits and burdens associated with advanced diabetes devices.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative thematic analysis of free-text survey responses from adults with T1D.
- Data collected from a large academic health system in the US between August 2024 and February 2025.
- Analysis included responses from 535 participants using various diabetes technologies.
Main Results:
- Participants reported diverse experiences with diabetes technology, encompassing both benefits and challenges.
- Novel concerns identified include environmental impact of device waste, travel-related stress from logistics and security, distress from device failures, and digital security apprehension.
- These factors significantly contribute to the overall patient experience with technology-dependent diabetes care.
Conclusions:
- Contemporary diabetes technology use in T1D extends beyond glycemic control.
- Emerging dimensions include environmental sustainability, administrative burdens, travel logistics, and digital trust.
- Patient-centered design, streamlined processes, and robust cybersecurity are crucial for the long-term acceptance and sustainability of advanced diabetes technologies.
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