A qualitative enquiry into the lived experiences of women with type 1 diabetes using closed-loop insulin delivery in pregnancy in the CIRCUIT trial.

In 30 seconds

This qualitative study explored the experiences of pregnant women with type 1 diabetes using closed-loop insulin delivery in the CIRCUIT randomized trial. Researchers conducted semi-structured interviews with 18 trial participants and analysed transcripts thematically. Four themes concerned independence and isolation, support, the impact of closed-loop technology, and control and autonomy. Participants described diabetes management in pregnancy as emotionally demanding and often undertaken largely alone, while viewing closed-loop delivery as a major positive influence during and after pregnancy. Healthcare-team support was considered important, and perceived loss of autonomy was associated with high anxiety.

Key findings

• Interviews with 18 CIRCUIT trial participants yielded four themes: independence and isolation, support, closed-loop impacts, and control and autonomy.
• Participants unanimously perceived positive impacts of closed-loop delivery that outweighed its challenges.
• Participants associated perceived loss of personal autonomy with high anxiety.
• Support from partners and care providers was described as alleviating stress and enabling use of the technology.

Why it matters

The findings highlight that pregnancy with type 1 diabetes involves substantial emotional and practical work, not only glucose management. They suggest that technology may be experienced positively when accompanied by supportive care, while preserving autonomy and addressing gaps in diabetes understanding among care providers may matter to patients’ experience.

What to keep in mind

The findings are based on qualitative interviews with 18 participants in one trial and describe participants’ experiences rather than measuring comparative clinical outcomes.