Authors (including presenting author) :
Chiu YH (1), Chen CY (2)
Affiliation :
Occupational Therapy Department, United Christian Hospital
Keyword 3: :
Assistive Device
Introduction :
According to the International Diabetes Federation, approximately 10% of adults worldwide are affected by diabetes, with about 30% of these individuals developing diabetic retinopathy, a serious complication that can lead to blindness. All individuals with type 1 diabetes require insulin for management, while between 10% and 30% of people with type 2 diabetes also rely on insulin therapy. Those who experience blindness or visual impairment often face significant challenges when preparing and using insulin pens, including safely replacing needle caps, confirming the desired dosage, and ensuring accurate administration. These obstacles can hinder their ability to manage their diabetes independently. To address these critical needs, a 3D-printed assistive device, known as the Insulin Injection Pen Adaptor, has been developed. This innovative device was designed to empower individuals with visual impairments, enabling them to perform and administer their own insulin injections independently and safely, thereby enhancing their overall quality of life and diabetes management.
Objectives :
To evaluate the use of 3D-printed insulin injection pen adaptor for patients with blindness or visual impairment.
Methodology :
The 3D-printed insulin injection pen adaptor is designed to be used for NovoPen. The digital model of the adaptor is created with computer aided design (CAD) software, SolidWork. Different parts of the dataset were then 3D printed with dual extruder and 100-micron layer resolution using Polylactic acid (PLA) filaments. Subsequently, a chemical polishing method is used to polish the printed products by removing the extension support and acquiring a smooth surface. Refinements were made to improve fitness and function.
Result & Outcome :
From September to November 2025, a pilot trial was conducted with 5 community nurses and 5 occupational therapists from UCH to evaluate the application of the 3D-printed insulin injection pen adaptor designed specifically to facilitate independent insulin injections for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with participants noting that the prototype significantly reduced the risk of needle injuries during the re-capping process. Additionally, the built-in magnifiers helped align with the pen's injection window, enlarging dosage markings for users with low vision. Satisfaction evaluation results showed that over 95% of participants were very satisfied with the adaptor, highlighting its usability and effectiveness in empowering individuals to manage their insulin injections autonomously.
The trial revealed that with the availability of 3D-printed insulin injection pen adaptor, patients with blindness or visual impairments could administer self-insulin injection in a safe and independent way. Further investigations on the clinical efficacy and effectiveness with larger sample sizes with also patients’ feedback are warranted in future research.
