Diabetes Technology Use in Special Populations: A Narrative Review of Psychosocial Factors

J Diabetes Sci Technol. 2024 Nov 20:19322968241296853. doi: 10.1177/19322968241296853. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

As diabetes technologies continue to advance, their use is expanding beyond type 1 diabetes to include populations with type 2 diabetes, older adults, pregnant individuals, those with psychiatric conditions, and hospitalized patients. This review examines the psychosocial outcomes of these technologies across these diverse groups, with a focus on treatment satisfaction, quality of life, and self-management behaviors. Despite demonstrated benefits in glycemic outcomes, the adoption and sustained use of these technologies face unique challenges in each population. By highlighting existing research and identifying gaps, this review seeks to emphasize the need for targeted studies and tailored support strategies to understand and optimize psychosocial outcomes and well-being.

Keywords: diabetes and mental health; diabetes in pregnancy; inpatient diabetes management; older adults with diabetes; psychosocial impacts of diabetes technology; type 2 diabetes.