A recent poll has revealed that over half of adults living with Type 1 diabetes (T1D) feel the condition hampers their spontaneity.
T1D, a disorder where the body’s insulin production is compromised, affects daily life decisions for nearly a third of those diagnosed.
The unpredictability of managing the condition leads to more than half of those surveyed regularly declining social invitations, wishing they could be more comfortable with impromptu plans.
Additionally, T1D impacts other life aspects, with a third of participants stating it negatively influences their sex life.
The same number said it sways their holiday choices, and 18% even feel limited in their clothing options. Overall, most respondents yearn for greater freedom and flexibility.
Multiple daily injections (MDI) are still the prevalent method of managing T1D, but this can affect quality of life. Among MDI users, over a third find the discomfort of regular injections a significant challenge, while 34% struggle to stick to injection schedules.
On average, MDI users inject insulin four times a day a routine that 14% of participants reported does not align well with their lifestyle.
Moreover, almost a quarter of respondents said that carrying essential diabetes equipment, including insulin pens and needles, was a significant inconvenience.
Fortunately, innovations in diabetes technology are offering renewed hope. Notably, Insulet’s Omnipod – a tubeless, waterproof Automated Insulin Delivery (AID) system – integrates with a glucose sensor to automatically adjust basal insulin levels based on continuous glucose readings, is a key example.
This “Hybrid Closed Loop” system significantly alleviates the burden of managing diabetes, providing enhanced flexibility for those affected.
Marcus Bosano, a recent adopter of a Hybrid Closed Loop system, recounted his positive 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.”
The study, on behalf of Insulet, revealed that 91% of MDI users were keen to try technology that could reduce or eliminate the need for daily injections.
Despite this strong interest, data from Seagrove indicates that only 24% of individuals with T1D in Europe are currently utilising advanced systems such as automated insulin delivery.
“Pod Therapy is an increasingly popular option for people living with diabetes, enabling more opportunities to be spontaneous,” enthused 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.