Title : Exploring digital health experiences and needs in smart blood glucose management among older adults with type 2 diabetes: A qualitative study
Abstract:
Background and Aim: Digital health technologies, including smart blood glucose monitoring tools, have increasingly been integrated into diabetes self-management. However, older adults with type 2 diabetes may experience challenges in adopting and sustaining the use of digital health technologies due to variations in digital literacy, technology acceptance, and support availability. This study aimed to explore the experiences, perceptions, and needs of community-dwelling older adults with type 2 diabetes regarding smart blood glucose management.
Methods: A qualitative descriptive study was conducted among community-dwelling older adults with type 2 diabetes. Participants were recruited using purposive sampling from a community healthcare setting. Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted to collect data regarding participants’ experiences with digital health information, blood glucose monitoring technologies, and related support needs. All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis approach. NVivo software was used to facilitate data management and coding.
Results: Nineteen older adults with type 2 diabetes participated in the study. Five themes were identified: (1) dynamic motivation in disease risk perception; (2) digital health information as both empowerment and cognitive burden; (3) convenience, barriers, and trust related to digital monitoring tools; (4) community healthcare support and selective engagement with digital health management; and (5) emotional and behavioural responses to blood glucose monitoring results. Participants recognised the potential benefits of digital health technologies in improving disease awareness and self-management, but reported barriers including insufficient digital skills, concerns about technology reliability, information overload, and limited ongoing professional support.
Conclusion and Implications: Older adults with type 2 diabetes have complex and evolving experiences with smart blood glucose management. Digital health interventions should adopt a person-centred approach by considering individual digital literacy, emotional responses, technology usability, and the supportive role of community healthcare professionals. These findings provide insights for developing accessible and sustainable digital health strategies to improve diabetes self-management among older populations.
Keywords: Digital Health, Smart Blood Glucose Management, Older Adults, Type 2 diabetes, Qualitative Study, Patient Centred Care
