Enhancing Chronic Diabetes Care with Companion Robots in Rural Taiwan

Abstract

Managing chronic diabetes in rural Taiwan remains challenging due to limited medical access and low health literacy. This pilot study evaluated a two-month, two-phase intervention using Bluetooth-enabled glucometers, smart wristbands, and a gamified companion robot among 30 elderly patients. While medication adherence and emotional well-being showed suggested improvement, effects on cognition and depression were limited. The findings support the feasibility of integrating low-threshold, interactive technologies into rural chronic care. Future studies with longer duration and larger samples are needed to assess sustained impact.