Tech for Diabetes Management

Designing Diabetes Mobile Health Technology for and with Community Members in Low-resource Settings GCDTR Sponsored Research 2023-24

Diabetes takes a disproportionate toll on communities of color, which are also likely to have more frequent and severe diabetes complications such as diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). The cost in human suffering also translates to economic burden, with about one-third of all diabetes expenditure being attributed to DFUs, roughly $109 billion annually. This project will gain direct feedback and insights on technology usability from the populations facing the greatest disease burden. Our project bridges key factors that underpin efforts to prevent foot ulcers and amputations: regularly promote patient self-inspection and examination of the at-risk foot, and educate the patient, family, and other community members in language and methods appropriate for their needs and abilities. Further, we will understand the participants' current primary and specialty care engagement so that the final technology design can be incorporated in their health practices. The latter is important so that the final technology design is ecologically valid. We will use a human-centered iterative design approach to meet three aims: 1) Characterize the community’s health care practice and knowledge of diabetes and DFU; 2) Understand the current technology use and usability barriers; 3) Co-design a mobile health application and data collection guidelines for foot health indicators.