565-P: Loop Automated Insulin Delivery System: Reasons for Discontinued Use

Background: Loop is an open-source do-it-yourself (DIY) automated insulin delivery system that allows users unrivaled control over physiologic settings that effect future glucose prediction. Over 9,000 individuals have adopted Loop, but little is known about those who discontinue.

Methods: Twenty Loop users (14 adults and 6 caregivers; 60% female, 85% white, 75% household income >$100k/year, and HbA1c 6.7±1.0%) participated in semi-structured interviews about their experiences with Loop following discontinuation. Qualitative data were transcribed, coded, and analyzed.

Results: Prominent themes reflected the perception that the stress, effort and/or time required to set up Loop and achieve management goals exceeded potential benefits. Two quotes: “I couldn’t spend any more time trying to work on my settings and trying to make it better,” and “I know I could get an improvement with it, but the problem was the cost of it⋯I couldn’t concentrate anymore at work⋯it felt like fog in my brain.” Technical issues with component devices, connectivity issues, lack of technical support, cost (time, energy, supplies), fear of provider disapproval, concerns related to pregnancy, exercise, hypoglycemia and managing low insulin doses, and desire to try other new technologies were among other reasons for ending use. Participants indicated that improved technical assistance and expert guidance might lead to them to use Loop again in the future.

Conclusions: For those who manage to set up Loop there are additional challenges, even among individuals with adequate glycemic control and access to various financial, social, and personal resources. Technical support and education specific to setting calculations could expand Loop benefits, alleviate burden, and support sustained use among new Loop users.