P-37: Can diabetes technologies help balance the burden of care? fathers’ roles in paediatric type 1 diabetes
M A Campbell, D GrabowskiAbstract
Introduction
Research on caregiving practices in paediatric type 1 diabetes (T1D) has consistently shown that mothers carry the primary responsibility for daily management. At the same time, treatment guidelines recommend the combined use of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and insulin delivery technology for optimal glycaemic control. However, little is known about the effect of these technologies on the division of parental caregiving practices.
Objectives
To explore how the use of diabetes management technologies influences how care is organised within families.
Methods
This study is part of a larger qualitative project conducted in Greece and Denmark (2023–2024). Interviews and observations were conducted with 33 parents (22 fathers, 11 mothers) of children/adolescents with T1D. Data was collected on parents’ caregiving practices and perceptions of using diabetes devices to manage their child’s T1D.
Results
Similarities and differences were identified between fathers’ and mothers’ practices and perceptions of device use across national contexts. While mothers’ self-described levels of competence and responsibility varied, fathers consistently described taking primary responsibility for technology-related tasks, including app management and device insertion. Across children’s age groups, fathers reported that this responsibility increased their caregiving involvement and strengthened their relationship with their child.
Conclusions
These findings highlight how parents’ individual caregiving roles should be considered when discussing diabetes technology options and practices with families, both before and after initiating use. Recognising how diabetes technologies may both support and redistribute caregiving responsibilities offers opportunities to more actively engage fathers in paediatric diabetes management and support a more balanced division of care.