A recent survey found that more than half of adults living with Type 1 diabetes believe the condition limits their ability to be spontaneous
A recent survey has revealed that over half of adults with Type 1 diabetes (T1D) feel the condition hampers their spontaneity.
T1D, a condition where the body’s insulin production is compromised, affects the daily routines of those diagnosed, with nearly a third admitting it influences their everyday choices.
More than half of the respondents confessed to frequently declining social invitations due to the unpredictable nature of managing insulin levels, and many expressed a desire to feel more at ease with last-minute arrangements.
Moreover, T1D impacts other life areas, with a third of participants stating that the condition affects their sex life. The same percentage reported that it sways their holiday choices, while 18% even feel limited in their clothing selection.
In general, most respondents expressed a longing for greater freedom and flexibility.
Multiple daily injections (MDI) continue to be the most prevalent method of managing T1D, but this strategy can also negatively affect quality of life according to the study.
Among MDI users, over a third cited the discomfort of regular injections as a significant hurdle, while 34% find sticking to injection schedules challenging. On average, MDI users administer insulin four times daily a routine that 14% of participants said doesn’t align well with their lifestyle.
Moreover, 24% of participants mentioned that transporting diabetes equipment, like insulin pens and needles, poses significant difficulties. However, breakthroughs in diabetes technology bring new optimism.
For instance, Insulet’s Omnipod, a tubeless and waterproof Automated Insulin Delivery (AID) system, works alongside a glucose sensors to automatically adjust basal insulin levels according to continuous glucose readings.
The “Hybrid Closed Loop” system lightens the load of managing diabetes and offers more flexibility.
Marcus Bosano, who recently transitioned to a Hybrid Closed Loop system, recounted his experience: “The constant decision-making and worry about my glucose levels have eased. I am less preoccupied with my diabetes and finally feel like I can be much more spontaneous.”
” I’m sleeping better because the system takes the strain, and I find I can more easily adapt to last-minute plans and changes. It’s given me greater freedom and has been a real game-changer for me personally.”
According to the survey conducted by OnePoll for Insulet, 91% of Multiple Daily Injections (MDI) users would likely be interested in technology that could minimise or eliminate their need for daily injections.
Despite the high level of interest, data from Seagrove suggests that only 24% of people with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) in Europe currently utilise advanced systems like automated insulin delivery.
“Pod Therapy is an increasingly popular option for people living with diabetes, enabling more opportunities to be spontaneous,” remarked Hjalte Hojsgaard, Insulet’s Vice President and General Manager for the UK, Benelux, Germany, Switzerland, and Austria.
Patients should discuss with healthcare experts to consider all possible treatment avenues.
