Exploring the Challenges and Designing Potential Solutions for Insulin Pump Technologies

Abstract

This study examines the current technology of diabetes management devices, primarily insulin pumps. Insulin pumps are effective tools for the precise control of glucose levels, for type 1 diabetes (T1D) patients. Many design and usability challenges still exist with insulin pump technologies. In this study, we investigated current shortcomings and limitations of insulin pumps through survey and interview data collection methods. Our findings revealed issues with current insulin pumps including: 1) wear-ability and accessibility in public 2) operating devices while performing demanding tasks 3) interruptions with social activities and interactions 4) continuity of maintenance, and 5) interface operations. Using the data from our investigative work, we produced design criteria to develop a novel wrist-worn interface and separate pump design for a closed loop artificial pancreas system. We then evaluated the design through seven remote usability testing sessions with insulin pump users. Our study aspires to inform the future design of novel insulin pumps that enable people with T1D to maintain better control of their glucose levels through consistent and steady interactions with these tools during their everyday activities.