A global survey of more than 4,300 people with diabetes has highlighted the daily planning, uncertainty and mental effort involved in managing the condition.
Image courtesy of Roche Diagnostics Limited
Roche released findings from a global study of 4,326 people with diabetes across 22 countries, examining how diabetes affects daily life and how people manage glucose levels.
The results show that many people with diabetes feel that managing glucose levels, meal timing and medication schedules creates a constant need to plan ahead. This can affect everyday activities such as work, travel, childcare and sport.
The survey also identified strong interest in predictive diabetes technology, with many respondents saying tools that forecast glucose changes would help them manage the condition more confidently.
Diabetes planning affects daily life
Many respondents said diabetes requires continuous planning around meals, insulin dosing, exercise and daily schedules.
Reported impacts included:
• 57% say diabetes affects participation in sport
• 55% say it affects childcare and household tasks
• 55% say it affects travelling
• 57% say it affects their ability to take on new responsibilities at work
Sleep was also commonly affected.
More than half of respondents said diabetes makes it harder to fall asleep. Many also reported feeling tired during the day.
Mental burden of diabetes management
The survey highlights the psychological impact of living with diabetes.
Key findings include:
• 66% say diabetes significantly affects emotional wellbeing
• 61% say diabetes represents a mental burden
• among people with type 1 diabetes this rises to 71%
• 61% say diabetes reduces their confidence that the day will go as planned
Around 70% of respondents said they feel anxious about the future.
Only one in three respondents said they feel very confident in how they currently manage their diabetes.
Predictive glucose technology seen as valuable
The survey also explored attitudes toward predictive diabetes tools.
Eight in ten respondents said they would value technology that can predict glucose changes before they occur.
Almost half said they would feel more in control if they could see trends developing before glucose levels become a problem.
Predictive features are becoming increasingly common in CGM systems. Some devices already use algorithms to analyse glucose trends and provide alerts before highs or lows occur.
These capabilities are expected to expand as CGM systems evolve and integrate with hybrid-closed loop insulin delivery systems.
Global diabetes numbers continue to rise
The survey findings come as diabetes prevalence continues to increase worldwide.
More than 11% of adults aged 20–79 are estimated to be living with diabetes globally. A large proportion of people remain undiagnosed.
By 2050, global prevalence is expected to reach around 853 million people, equivalent to about one in eight adults.
Findings to be presented at ATTD 2026
Roche says the survey results will be presented alongside new real-world evidence on predictive diabetes technology at the upcoming International Conference on Advanced Technologies & Treatments for Diabetes (ATTD).
The conference will take place in Barcelona in March 2026 and focuses on new diabetes technologies including CGM systems, hybrid-closed loop systems and digital health tools.
About the survey
The research is based on a study conducted by GWI and commissioned by Roche in September 2025.
The study explored diabetes perceptions, everyday experiences of living with diabetes and the use of diabetes management tools.
It surveyed 4,326 people with diabetes aged 16 and over as part of a wider research sample of 16,310 internet usersacross 22 countries.
Countries included:
Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Chile, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Kuwait, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, Turkey and the UK.
__________
Disclaimer
Blogs and publications on this website are independent of any involvement by medtech companies or diabetes related charities. To ensure there is no bias, we do not accept any products, freebies or other material from any medtech provider. Except where credited otherwise, all materials are copyright ©️Love My Libre Ltd.
What CGM is not associated or affiliated with Abbott or FreeStyle Libre. Content here and on our website what cgm.com does not constitute medical advice or replace the relationship between you and healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
The author of this blog has type 1 diabetes and uses a CGM on NHS prescription.
Leave a comment (all fields required). Please note, we are unable to respond to individual comments posted here.