Suresh Rama Chandran, Singapore
Singapore General Hospital EndocrinologyPresenter of 1 Presentation
DIABETES TECHNOLOGY: AWARENESS, CURRENT USE, AND SATISFACTION AMONG PEOPLE WITH TYPE 1 DIABETES IN SINGAPORE.
Abstract
Background and Aims
Diabetes technology has significantly advanced over the past decade. Appropriate use of diabetes technology reduces the burden and improves outcomes in people with type 1 diabetes. We conducted an online survey to study the awareness, current use, and satisfaction of diabetes technology among people with type 1 diabetes (T1D) in Singapore.
Methods
An anonymous online survey was developed and advertised on social media and at the T1D clinic at Singapore General Hospital. Sections included demographics, diabetes profile, technology awareness, current technology use, and technology satisfaction. Descriptive data are presented as count with percentages [n(%)] or mean and standard deviation (M+SD).
Results
n=104, 72(69%) women participated. Age at diagnosis was <= 20 years(y) for 49(47%), mean duration of diabetes was 16.9y+12.4y and 81(78%) reported most recent HbA1c< 8% (64mmol/mol). Awareness about continuous glucose monitors (CGM) was the highest [81(78%)], only 46(44%) knew about government-subsidized insulin pump therapy and only 25(24%) knew about smartphone bolus calculator applications. Only 57(55%) had ever used a smartphone diabetes application and 26(25%) were unaware of them. Majority [79(76%)] used capillary glucose meters; while 32(31%) used CGM. 75(72%) used multiple daily injections(MDI) and 29(28%) used insulin pumps. 63(60%) felt satisfied with their glucose monitoring devices. 84(81%) felt that their insulin delivery system worked well, helped them have good glucose [71(68%)], and made them feel in control [85(82%)].
Conclusions
A third of people with T1D used CGM and/or insulin pumps. Awareness about bolus calculators and subsidized insulin pump therapy was low. Satisfaction rates were lower for glucose monitoring devices compared to insulin delivery devices.