Introduction The primary objective of this study is to report the results of an online
questionnaire and the in-person discussion sessions of physicians specializing in
diabetes care in which their opinions about current diabetes management was obtained.Methods
The Diabetes Innovation Summit 2023 drew attendance from a diverse group of specialized
physicians from multiple countries. A comprehensive literature review was conducted
to examine the technologies and medical needs associated with diabetes management.
Using the results of the review, a questionnaire was developed by three experts from
the steering committee to solicit feedback from specialized physicians. The online
survey was made accessible between 10th December 2022 and 10th January 2023. Following
the online survey, six structured in-person discussion sessions were conducted with
specialized physicians from the Middle East, Central-Eastern Europe, and North Africa
regions.Results The study revealed that about 59% of survey requests were answered,
with many participants being pediatric endocrinologists from North Africa. Around
60% of diabetes patients followed Multiple Daily Injections (MDI) according to specialized
physicians. Among MDI users, 62% employed Blood Glucose Monitors (BGM), 31% used intermittent-scanning
Continuous Glucose Monitors (isCGM), and 23% used CGM. In North Africa, nearly 90%
of patients used MDI due to financial constraints. While physicians focused on both
Time in Range (TIR) and HbA1c for MDI-treated patients, satisfaction with TIR achieved
was expressed by 31%, while 741% believed Real-Time CGM (rtCGM) was effective.
Concerns arose about potentially misleading HbA1c results and the relatively low patient
achievement of target TIR despite CGM usage. The Smart MDI System was seen favorably
compared to other applications. The system's affordability was a significant barrier,
particularly in the Middle East and Africa.Conclusion The present study highlights
that physicians are generally supportive of utilizing new technology. The questionnaires
and the open discussion revealed the expectation that the Smart MDI technology provides
better control, primarily by identifying missed boluses, while expressing concerns
on the use of the technology by teenagers and children, who might forget the device
and be reluctant to use in public, and by the older population, who might be challenged
by the technology.
