Adjustment experiences of adolescents living with well-controlled type 1 diabetes using closed-loop technology

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to obtain an in-depth understanding of the experiences of adolescents with well-controlled type 1 diabetes who were adjusting to closed-loop technology.

Method: Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was conducted. Five participants (aged 15-18) were recruited from the Centre for Diabetes and Endocrinology in Parktown, South Africa, to participate in semi-structured interviews about their experiences of adjusting to closed-loop technology.

Results: Five superordinate themes emerged (1): learning to trust the technology (2), making diabetes visible (3), building a relationship with diabetes (4), empowering support networks, and (5) transformative positive outcomes. The findings demonstrate that closed-loop technology positively impacts the adjustment to living with type 1 diabetes. However, as highlighted by all participants, the individual's engagement and management are crucial. Based on the adolescents' experiences, interventions should focus on psychological factors.

Keywords: adjustment; adolescents; closed-loop technology; interpretative phenomenological analysis; type 1 diabetes.