Digital tools for exposure and problem-solving in type 1 diabetes mellitus: a feasibility investigation

People with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) may benefit from cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) interventions; self-guided digital tools are a potentially scalable solution. Two promising components for T1DM from CBT are problem-solving and exposure. Our aim was to preliminarily explore whether two digital tools, namely a problem-solving tool and an exposure tool, could be helpful for people with T1DM, and to investigate types of problems reported. We recruited nine participants from a specialised diabetes unit. Following one drop-out, eight participants used the tools for 4 weeks and answered questionnaires on usability, mental health, and diabetes distress. Comments and ratings showed that there were two distinct types of users that can be matched to the types of digital tools: those with general problem areas in diabetes and those of an avoidant type, driven by fear of hypoglycaemia. All participants used problem-solving to some degree, typically solving one or two problems. Three participants used exposure, registering at least one exercise. Both exposure and problem-solving may be useful in future interventions for people with T1DM. A digital self-guided CBT intervention for T1DM could include problem-solving with exposure as an option and be evaluated as a full digital self-care programme.