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. 2025 Jan;19(1):11-17.
doi: 10.1177/19322968241274364. Epub 2024 Aug 30.

Adult's Lived Experience Using the Insulin-Only Bionic Pancreas

Kimberly P Garza  1   2 , Kelsey R Howard  1 , Marissa Feldman  3 , Jill Weissberg-Benchell  1
Affiliations

Adult's Lived Experience Using the Insulin-Only Bionic Pancreas

Kimberly P Garza et al. J Diabetes Sci Technol. 2025 Jan.

Abstract

Background: The purpose of this study was to assess adults' perspectives after using the insulin-only Bionic Pancreas (BP) during a 13-week pivotal trial. Automated insulin delivery (AID) systems show promise in improving glycemic outcomes and reducing disease burden for those with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D). Understanding the lived experience of those using the BP can help to inform education and uptake of AID devices.

Methods: Adults ages 19 to 75 (n = 40) participated in age-specific focus groups (19-25, 26-40, 41-64, and 65+) exploring their experiences, thoughts, and feelings about using the BP. Three authors analyzed the focus group data using a hybrid thematic approach.

Results: Qualitative analysis of focus groups revealed 14 sub-themes falling into four major themes (diabetes burden, managing glucose levels, daily routine, and user experience). Although participants' overall experience was positive, some reported struggles related to managing out-of-range glucose levels and challenges with the system responding to unique meal schedules and exercise regimens.

Conclusion: This study captures patient perspectives regarding their experiences with a new AID system. Patient voice can inform device development and educational approaches for people with T1D. Identifying which patients may benefit the most from wearing this system may facilitate patient/clinician discussions regarding insulin delivery systems that best meet their individualized needs and expectations that may support device uptake and continued use.

Keywords: AID system; behavioral research; focus groups; patient-oriented research; psychosocial aspects.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declaration of Conflicting InterestsThe author(s) declared the following potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: J.W.-B. reports consulting payments from Beta Bionics. M.F., K.R.H. and K.P.G. report no declaration of interest.

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