What other challenges do we face when incorporating technology?

Abstract

The incorporation of technology has profoundly transformed the treatment of diabetes mellitus (DM), becoming a central tool for optimizing glycemic control and improving the quality of life for people living with this disease. However, its implementation also poses new clinical, environmental, and social challenges. This conference proposes a critical overview of the “good, the bad, and the ugly” of technology in DM.

First, the main benefits of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), insulin infusion pumps, automated insulin delivery systems, and digital platforms will be reviewed, highlighting their impact on glycemic control metrics, the reduction of hypoglycemia, and therapeutic decision-making. Subsequently, the less visible aspects of the daily use of these tools will be addressed, including skin lesions associated with adhesives and devices, as well as the growing environmental impact resulting from the increase in electronic and plastic waste. Finally, one of the main current challenges will be analyzed: the inequity in access to these technologies, conditioned by socioeconomic differences, health insurance coverage, and regional availability. Beyond the enthusiasm for innovation, the talk invites reflection on the need for responsible, safe, and equitable use of technology, promoting strategies that maximize its benefits while remaining mindful of its limitations and each patient's individual context. The goal is to provide a comprehensive perspective that facilitates person-centered decision-making and contributes to more sustainable and accessible care.