Psychosocial Impact of the Bionic Pancreas During Summer Camp

Authors: Weissberg-Benchell, J., Hessler, D., Polonsky, WH., Fisher, L.

Abstract

Background: The psychosocial impact of the bionic pancreas (BP) was assessed among children attending diabetes camp.

Methods: Nineteen children were randomly assigned for 5 days to the BP condition and 5 days to the control condition in a crossover design.

Results: Significant reductions in hypoglycemic fear and regimen burden were found. Children felt less burdened or worried about diabetes and felt freer to do things they enjoyed while using the BP. Children wished the BP responded to out of range numbers faster and expressed annoyance about carrying around the necessary equipment.

Conclusions: Children may experience improved psychosocial outcomes following use of BP while expressing key areas of user concern. Future studies in less controlled environments with larger sample sizes can determine if these findings are generalizable to other groups.

Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26993252/

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BDI Monthly Events

March 12Case Consultation Meeting
March 12: BDI hosts the San Diego-wide, monthly case consultation meeting (for mental health professionals working in the field of diabetes). Contact us at [email protected] if you are in the greater San Diego area and would like further information about this program.
March 19-22International Conference
18th International Conference for ATTD (Advanced Technologies and Treatments for Diabetes) in Amsterdam, Dr. Polonsky (BDI President) has three presentations.
March 19Type 2 Presentation
On March 19, Dr. Polonski will present CGM is Wonderful, But… at the Roche-sponsored symposium, “Translating the Power of Prediction into Diabetes Management”, and Insulin Therapy Experience: Considering the Needs of People Living with Diabetes (with Professor Cukierman-Yaffe) at the Sanofi-sponsored symposium, Confidence and Simplicity in Diabetes Management”. https://attd.kenes.com/
March 20Type 2 Presentation
On March 20, Dr. Polonski will present Improved Patient- and Physician-Reported Outcomes with IGlarLixi When Switching From Premixed Insulin in People with Type 2 Diabetes: The Soli-Switch Study. https://cslide.ctimeetingtech.com/attd25/attendee/confcal/session/calendar/2025-03-20