“Coach in your pocket”: Men’s digital self-management of type 2 diabetes

Abstract

Objective To explore how adult men use digital technologies to support type 2 diabetes self-management and examine the perceived benefits, challenges, and meanings associated with technology use in everyday life. Methods A qualitative study was conducted with 41 adult men with type 2 diabetes recruited between September 2025 and May 2026 through Prolific, community-based outreach, social media, and participant referrals. Semi-structured interviews were conducted virtually via Zoom, lasted approximately 25–75 minutes, and were professionally transcribed. Both authors analyzed transcripts using an inductive thematic approach in MAXQDA. Data saturation was observed at approximately interviews 36–38, with the remaining scheduled interviews supporting the adequacy of the dataset. Results Six interrelated themes characterized participants’ experiences: real-time monitoring and awareness; technology as a reminder and organizational tool; learning and self-education; communication with healthcare providers; motivation and accountability; and barriers and frustrations with technology use. Across themes, participants described digital tools as helping them act independently on health information, maintain routines, make diabetes visible and actionable, and approach clinical encounters with organized personal data. Cost, usability, and trust in device accuracy remained important constraints. Conclusions Digital technologies were embedded in participants’ everyday diabetes self-management and often supported autonomy, practical problem-solving, accountability, and communication. Digital interventions for men with type 2 diabetes may be most useful when they provide actionable feedback, support self-directed management, integrate with clinical care, and minimize cost and usability burdens.