Internet of Things for diabetics: Identifying adoption issues

Type 1 diabetes cases are rising globally. Despite being a life-threatening disease, type 1 diabetes can be managed through insulin treatment and glucose monitoring. The use of Internet of Things (IoT) technology, such as insulin pumps, has improved diabetes management and increased patients' quality of life. However, the rapid adoption of IoT in healthcare brings with it potential cybersecurity risks. Recent reports indicate that cyberattacks against the Norwegian healthcare sector have increased 72% in the past year, with an average of 450 attacks weekly. Despite this, many diabetic patients still trust their devices and are willing to accept the risk, perceiving their medical data as not being attractive to cyber criminals. This research aims at exploring the perceptions of various stakeholders on the potential enhancement of life quality for diabetes patients using IoT technology and the challenges associated with privacy and cybersecurity threats in Norway via interviews. The identified stakeholders were divided into three groups, diabetes patients, healthcare personnel and industry representatives. Our preliminary results indicate a lack of concern among both patients and healthcare professionals regarding the privacy of medical information and cybersecurity risks associated with diabetesrelated IoT devices. These findings emphasize the importance of considering the ownership and control of data generated by IoT and the need for a comprehensive review of privacy regulations to ensure uniform interpretation and implementation across all Norwegian healthcare regions. This will enable patients with diabetes to have equal access to technologically advanced medical care and improve their overall quality of life.