Qualitative study on the experience of insulin pump use among type 2 diabetic patients aged over 65

Introduction: Insulin pump therapy is a form of treatment that can improve the quality of life of patients with diabetes, particularly type 2 patients over the age of 65. The aim was to study the use of this insulin pump device in this population.

Method: An inductive qualitative study was carried out with 6 people over 65 with type 2 diabetes. Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted at the participants’ homes. Results: Certain obstacles, including technical difficulties and an increased mental workload, were observed during the initial use of the insulin pump. However, the participants were able to adapt to this system through their perseverance and motivation, as well as the support and guidance provided by healthcare professionals. According to the participants, the main advantage of using this pump is the improvement in comfort. Discussion: This study indicates that the adaptive capabilities of older patients are just as significant as those of other age groups, enabling them to derive benefits from the insulin pump device. The personal qualities and external resources that older patients draw on in their daily pump use are also highlighted.