Impact of automated insulin delivery (AID) systems on quality of life (QoL): Validation of the AID-QoL questionnaire.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Evidence supports the efficacy of automated insulin delivery (AID) systems in improving glycometabolic outcomes. However, limited data are available on their impact on quality of life (QoL). This study aimed to develop and validate a questionnaire to assess QoL in subjects with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) using AID system (AID-QoL).

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

A questionnaire was developed and validated following a standardized procedure and administered to 219 subjects with T1DM who were using AID systems for insulin therapy.

RESULTS

Analysis of inter-expert agreement for internal consistency showed a Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.720, suggesting an acceptable level of consistency across the 29 items of the AID-QoL. The infraclass correlation coefficient for retest agreement was 0.745, demonstrating "substantial" reliability. Administration of the questionnaire to the 219 subjects with T1DM showed that AID systems contributed to high satisfaction with glycometabolic management, a slightly lower satisfaction with the technical aspects of the AID systems, a positive impact on psychological and social well-being, and a high level of confidence in the technology.

CONCLUSION

The AID-QOL questionnaire is a newly validated, reliable, easy-to-use tool for measuring QoL and satisfaction in subjects with T1DM who are receiving insulin treatment via AID systems.