The effect of diabetes technology use satisfaction on insulin therapy self-management in adults with type 1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is a lifelong chronic disease that requires a high level of daily self-management skills. Although diabetes technologies that have become widespread in recent years facilitate glycemic monitoring, the effect of satisfaction with these technologies on insulin therapy self-management has not been sufficiently clarified.

This descriptive and correlational study was conducted with 154 individuals diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Data were collected using a Participant Information Form, the Diabetes Technology Questionnaire, and the Insulin Therapy Self-Management Scale. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and multiple linear regression analysis were used to evaluate the relationships and predictors of insulin therapy self-management.

The mean age of the participants was 31.7 ± 11.8 years, the mean HbA1c level was 8.81% ± 2.09%. The mean total score of the Diabetes Technology Questionnaire was 70.597 ± 17.768, while the mean total score of the Insulin Therapy Self-Management Scale was 96.642 ± 17.839. Correlation analysis revealed a negative and significant relationship between the total score of the Diabetes Technology Questionnaire and the total score of insulin therapy self-management (r = -0.326, p < 0.001). According to the multiple regression analysis, the model was significant (F = 10.750, p < 0.001) and explained 26.6% of the variance. The total score of the Diabetes Technology Questionnaire (β = -0.380, p < 0.001) and HbA1c level (β = -0.291, p < 0.001) were significant predictors of insulin therapy self-management.

The findings of this study indicate that as satisfaction with diabetes technology use increases, the level of insulin therapy self-management decreases among individuals with type 1 diabetes, and poor glycemic control negatively affects self-management.