MORE than half of adults living with type 1 diabetes believe the condition stops them from being more spontaneous.
A poll of 250 people with type 1 diabetes (T1D), which impacts the body’s ability to produce insulin, found nearly a third of their daily choices are effected by the disease.
As such, 84 per cent crave more freedom in their daily lives.
Due to the unpredictability of managing the condition, 52 per cent regularly turn down social plans and as such, 50 per cent are keen to feel more at ease making last minute plans.
Almost a third (32 per cent) report a negative impact on their sex life, and the same amount also said it effects what kind of holidays they go on.
Other activities people with T1D can experience challenges with include travel and exercise (both 36 per cent).
While 18 per cent even feel restricted by what kinds of clothing they can wear, according to the research from Insulet, makers of Omnipod.
Almost two fifths (38 per cent) think individuals who do not have diabetes are not sufficiently aware of the daily challenges involved in managing it.
While 89 per cent believe they make more health-related decisions than those without diabetes.
Multiple daily injections (MDI) is the most common way to manage T1D but 24 per cent report this impacts quality of life.
Those who use MDI to manage their diabetes say the biggest inconvenience is having to carry so many diabetes supplies like insulin pens and needles (40 per cent).
Almost four in 10 (37 per cent) claim the discomfort of regular injections is a challenge followed by 34 per cent who struggle with managing injection schedules.
[bc_video account_id=”5067014667001″ application_id=”” aspect_ratio=”16:9″ autoplay=”” caption=”Signs of serious diabetes foot problems ” embed=”in-page” experience_id=”” height=”100%” language_detection=”” max_height=”360px” max_width=”640px” min_width=”0px” mute=”” padding_top=”56%” picture_in_picture=”” player_id=”default” playlist_id=”” playsinline=”” sizing=”responsive” video_id=”6346931037112″ video_ids=”” width=”640px”]On average, respondents who need to inject do so four times per day, with 14 per cent saying this does not support their lifestyle.
If they had the chance to reduce or eliminate daily injections with technology, 91 per cent of MDI users polled via OnePoll would be likely to try it.
However, further data from Seagrove estimates 24 per cent of people with T1D living in Europe have adopted more advanced technology such as automated insulin delivery systems.
Marcus Bosano, who has recently transitioned their care to a Hybrid Closed Loop system, said: “Having lived with type 1 diabetes for over 20 years, I know full well the burden of living with this relentless condition.
“Since switching to the Omnipod 5 my life has been transformed.
“The constant decision-making and worry about my glucose levels have eased, I am less preoccupied with my diabetes and finally feel like I can be much more spontaneous.
“I am sleeping better because the system takes the strain, and I find I can more easily adapt to last-minute plans and changes.
“It’s given me greater freedom and has been a real game-changer for me personally.”
Insulet’s spokesperson, Hjalte Hojsgaard, VP, General Manager UK, Benelux, Germany, Switzerland and Austria, added: “Pod Therapy is an increasingly popular option for people living with diabetes, that can enable more opportunities to be spontaneous.”