A Qualitative Study of the Views of Individuals With Type 1 Diabetes on the Ethical Considerations Raised by the Artificial Pancreas

Type 1 diabetes management requires regular blood glucose measurements and tailored insulin administration to prevent its complications. An artificial pancreas is developed to automate insulin therapy, thereby improving its safety and effectiveness. Despite its benefits compared to conventional approaches, the artificial pancreas raises ethical considerations which could impact its uptake and user satisfaction. The objective of this qualitative study was to understand the ethical considerations associated with the artificial pancreas of significance to individuals with type 1 diabetes. Sixteen interviews were conducted with these stakeholders. Qualitative content analysis was conducted on interview transcriptions. Five categories of ethical considerations were identified: (1) contextualized autonomy and control in diabetes management; (2) relational autonomy, identity, and relationships; (3) safety, privacy, and confidentiality; (4) public and private coverage; and (5) justice and patient selection criteria. These issues need to be addressed in the development of the artificial pancreas, clinical practice, and coverage policies.