What Stops Some Families From Using Diabetes Technology—and What Helps

Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) and insulin pumps are proven tools that help people with type 1 diabetes manage their blood sugar and live fuller lives. Yet many families don't use them, even when they're available. Researchers wanted to understand why—especially in communities that have historically been underrepresented in diabetes research and care.

A team analyzed data from 84 families living with type 1 diabetes to identify what factors predict whether youth use both a CGM and an insulin pump. The findings reveal that the story is more complex than access alone.

The study found that certain family characteristics were associated with higher technology use. Parents who were older, more educated, and whose youth had lived with diabetes longer were more likely to use both devices. Families where the primary caregiver was not White and did not speak English at home were also more likely to use both technologies—a finding that contradicts stereotypes about disparities and technology adoption.

These patterns suggest that structural factors—like how long a family has navigated diabetes management and their access to education—shape their ability or willingness to adopt new tools.

Beyond family background, the research pointed to two powerful experiential factors: discrimination and perceived burden.

Youth in families that were not using both technologies reported higher levels of discrimination. On a scale measuring this experience, underutilizers reported a score of 4.23 compared to utilizers' score of 2.49. The researchers found that higher discrimination scores were associated with lower technology use—suggesting that experiences of bias and stigma may discourage families from adopting devices.

Families who weren't using both technologies also reported greater burden from CGM use. They felt the day-to-day challenges of wearing and maintaining the device more acutely than families who were using it. Yet among utilizers, acceptance of the technology itself was higher, indicating that how families view the technology matters.

This research highlights that technology adoption isn't just about whether a device exists or whether a family can afford it. Discrimination, the perceived burden of device management, and overall acceptance all play a role.

For healthcare providers and communities supporting families with type 1 diabetes, the findings suggest the importance of addressing not only access but also the social and emotional experiences that shape whether families feel comfortable and supported in using available tools.

Source: Diabetes technology & therapeutics. Evidence type: PubMed indexed literature. Type1Cure is an information and intelligence hub, not a medical advice service. This article summarizes published research and does not provide diagnosis, treatment, or personal medical guidance. Always talk to your own care team before changing anything about your Type 1 diabetes management.