Type 1 diabetes is a chronic illness, and diabetes self-care measures play a crucial role in disease management. Well-designed digital health technologies (DHTs) can support diabetes self-care, however, their use can be challenging. In Divya Anna Stephen’s research in nursing science, she explores perspectives on DHT support for diabetes self-care among adults with type 1 diabetes. 



Divya’s research show that these technologies often feel empowering—providing control and independence. At the same time, they can be frustrating and difficult to use, which may lead users to feel exasperated. Furthermore, the results show that people with strong confidence in managing their condition (psychosocial self-efficacy) tend to feel better and have better blood sugar control. Those who are more digitally literate (eHealth literacy) are often younger and also have better blood sugar control.



In our conversation, Divya tells us more about the results of her studies, and provide arguments for why more research is needed on this topic, so that patients’ self-care can be further promoted and successful.



Divya Anna Stephen’s doctoral thesis can be downloaded from DiVA: Digital health technology for supporting diabetes self-care: Perspectives among adults with type 1 diabetes