Background: The CIRCUIT trial (one of only 3 randomised controlled trials on automated insulin delivery in T1D pregnancy) investigated if closed-loop insulin delivery (CL) improves blood glucose, lessens diabetes self-management burden and results in healthier pregnancies/children. We conducted a qualitative sub-study of Australian women and their partners' lived experiences with CL technology.
Aim: To assess lived experiences of Australian CIRCUIT participants with T1D and their partners, focusing on differences in experiences between control and intervention participants regarding their disease management, sleep, stress, and quality of life during pregnancy.
Methods: All participants (N=11) from the Intervention (Tandem t:slim X2™ with Control-IQ™) and Control (Dexcom CGM with pre-enrolment insulin delivery method) groups and their partners were invited to share experiences via Zoom interviews using semi-structured questions. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, de-identified, and imported into NVivo for coding. Qualitative reflexive thematic analysis identified themes and sub-themes.
Results: 6 women and their partners from the Australian sites participated (Intervention= 5, Control =1). Key themes included reduced burden/diabetes distress, improved self-efficacy in diabetes management, and eagerness to continue CL or CGM post-delivery. Partner themes included feeling more confident supporting diabetes management, reassurance, and less hypoglycaemia-related stress. Both groups identified cost as the main barrier to continued use but were eager to continue if accessible.
Conclusions: Australian participants and partners reported positive experiences with either CL therapy and CGM, including improved quality of life and reduced diabetes distress. These findings support prioritising equitable access to CL technology during and after T1D pregnancies nationally.