Long-Term Experiences of Using Hybrid Closed-Loop Systems for Diabetes
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Adolescents’ Long-Term Experiences of Using Hybrid Closed-Loop Systems to Manage Type 1 Diabetes.
IRAS ID
362751
Contact name
Lily Bowditch
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of East Anglia
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 1 months, 4 days
Research summary
This study will explore the long-term experiences of young people using a Hybrid Closed-Loop (HCL) system to manage their type 1 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is a lifelong condition where the body stops producing insulin, a hormone that controls blood sugar levels. Without insulin, blood sugar can become dangerously high and lead to serious health problems over time. In the UK, around 36,000 children and young people under the age of 18 live with diabetes, and most have type 1.
Managing type 1 diabetes can be especially challenging for young people as they begin to take on more responsibility for their care. HCL systems are a newer type of diabetes technology that can help reduce the burden of care and keep blood sugar levels more stable. Some young people find HCLs help them sleep better, feel more confident, and worry less. Others find the alarms frustrating or struggle to stay motivated. However, there is limited understanding of how and why HCL systems affect different parts of young people’s lives over time, including their relationship with diabetes and the technology, relationships with family and friends, and their mental health.
The study will recruit participants from a single paediatric diabetes clinic at the James Paget University Hospital using purposive sampling. Participants will be aged between 12 and 18, have a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes, and have used a HCL system for at least 12 months. Each participant will take part in a one-hour online interview, which will be video-recorded. Interviews will be transcribed and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis to identify key themes.
The findings will add to the limited qualitative research on the long-term psychological impact of HCL systems. They will help improve understanding of how these systems affect young people and may guide future psychological support and diabetes care.
REC name
London - Hampstead Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
26/PR/0062
Date of REC Opinion
10 Feb 2026
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion