Biopsychosocial Factors Associated With Satisfaction and Sustained Use of Artificial Pancreas Technology and Its Components: a Call to the Technology Field

Abstract

Purpose of review: Summarize biopsychosocial factors associated with using continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), insulin pumps, and artificial pancreas (AP) systems and provide a "call to the field" about their importance to technology uptake and maintained use.

Recent findings: Insulin pumps and CGMs are becoming standard of care for individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D). AP systems combining a CGM, insulin pump, and automated dosing algorithm are available for commercial use. Despite improved glycemic control with AP system use, numerous barriers exist which may limit their benefit. Studies on components of AP systems (pumps, CGMs) are limited and demonstrate mixed results of their impact on fear of hypoglycemia, adherence, quality of life, depression and anxiety, and diabetes distress. Studies examining biopsychological factors associated specifically with sustained use of AP systems are also sparse. Biological, psychological and social impacts of AP systems have been understudied and the information they provide has not been capitalized upon.

Keywords: Artificial pancreas; Behavioral health; Continuous glucose monitoring; Insulin pumps; Type 1 diabetes.

Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest Cari Berget and Kimberly Driscoll declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Figures

Fig. 1

Closed-loop control with artificial pancreas. An on-body CGM measures the individual blood glucose in real time. The glucose value is then sent to a control algorithm which uses a series of mathematical equations to determine the insulin dose for that time period. The insulin dose required is then transmitted to the insulin pump and the insulin is delivered to the individuals. The individual body then responds to the insulin dose with a new blood glucose value and the cycle repeats