Technology use in individuals with type 1 diabetes is associated with improved clinical outcomes. However, access to technology is not available to all populations across North and South America. In this presentation, access to technology in North and South America will be reviewed with emphasis on the access to these devices by individuals from minority groups and lower socioeconomic status.
The literature was reviewed to describe access to technology across various regions of North and South America.
Access to technology is varied across North and South America. Limiting factors for technology access include device availability, device cost, and insurance coverage. Access to technology is even more limited in minority individuals and those with lower socioeconomic status – both groups with worse health outcomes.
Technology is becoming increasingly more important for the management of type 1 diabetes, particularly with the advent of automated insulin delivery devices. Unfortunately, access to technology is variable across North and South America. The most vulnerable populations, individuals of minority status and lower socioeconomic access, have the most restrictive access to technology resulting in a further gap in health disparities. Advocating for equal access to diabetes technology has the potential to narrow care gaps.