Does the use of insulin pump technology have a positive impact on how young adults with diabetes score their mental heal

Published Date: 01st February 2025

Publication Authors: Sullivan. H, Lewis. G, Wilson. A, Shamsaldeen. M, Banerjee. A, Gopalakrishnan. P, Balafshan. T

Conference Abstract

Background: Our young adult diabetes service looks after 18 to 25 year olds, an age range known to experience significant challenges with their mental health. We use the CORE 10, an accredited psychological tool to assess the mental health of our patients and guide us to discuss support needs. Evidence suggests the use of insulin pump therapy improves wellbeing compared with multiple daily injections (MDI).
Aim(s): We used CORE 10 results to compare the wellbeing of our type 1 population depending on the technology used to manage their diabetes (pump therapy vs MDI).
Method(s): Questionnaire results were collated and analysed using a non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test, to identify whether there was a statistically significant difference between the two groups.
Result(s): Patients (n = 109) of those seen (n = 121) completed the questionnaire. The two groups, pump therapy (n = 32) and MDI (n = 77), were matched at baseline for age and HbA1c. There were no meaningful differences in either individual or total scores for the CORE 10 questionnaire (p > 0.05) with the exception of question 5 'I have felt panic or terror?' (p = 0.038).
Conclusion(s): There was no meaningful difference in the mental health outcomes between the two groups with the exception of question 5. There could be multiple reasons for this including the small study size or other confounding variables not considered in the scope of this study. However, it could be that despite perceived better outcomes in control and wellbeing, insulin pump technology may come with new challenges and burdens to the mental health of patients, a possibility which would warrant further investigation. 

Sullivan, H.R.; Lewis, G.; Wilson, A.; Shamsaldeen, M.; Banerjee, A.; Gopalakrishnan, P.; Balafshan, T.. (2025). Does the use of insulin pump technology have a positive impact on how young adults with diabetes score their mental heal. Diabetic Medicine. 42(Supp 1). [Online]. Available at: https://dx.doi.org/10.1111/dme.15498 [Accessed 4 February 2026].