Advances in technology have made it easier for people living with diabetes to manage their condition. There is a wealth of online support to better self-manage diabetes -education and instruction on the many facets of diabetes management, and also support in the form of motivation, monitoring, habit-tracking, connection to others living with diabetes, and easier connection to the health care team.
Studies have shown that using technology to assist in the self-management of diabetes has a beneficial effect on blood sugar and diabetes outcomes, such as improved HBA1c levels, more positive behaviors (physical activity/exercise, medication adherence, regular blood glucose monitoring, healthy eating, emotional well-being), and confidence in one’s ability to care for their diabetes.
Technology offers feedback in real-time and helps individuals draw relationships between their behaviors and blood sugar results, and how their diabetes is affected by their choices. This enables people to more effectively problem-solve, which leads to improved outcomes and fosters self-efficacy, reinforcing positive behaviors and healthier choices.
The advances in technology also enable patients to have more access to their health records and their healthcare team, which enables both patients and the healthcare providers to make needed changes in a timelier manner, improving health and fostering more trust and confidence in the patient/provider relationship.
Some examples of diabetes innovations are:
- Smart insulin pen – a reusable insulin delivery pen used in conjunction with a smart phone app to assist with more fine-tuned insulin delivery. It helps to calculate doses, timing of doses, temperature and storage of insulin, insulin quality, and tracking. The pen also sends reminders, alerts and reports to the app.
- Continuous glucose monitors (CGM) – provides 24-hour real-time blood glucose monitoring, alerts, tracking, and interpretation of results. There are many varieties and types of CGMs to choose from, making it easier than ever to use what fits into your lifestyle and meets your needs the best.
- Glucometers – tried and true, glucometers provide accurate results. New advances are on the horizon, including monitors that allow you to retrieve blood samples from alternate sites such as arms, thighs or palms – giving those fingers a break!
- Insulin pumps – deliver continuous long-acting insulin and doses of fast-acting insulin before meals, providing improved blood sugar control, more convenience, flexibility, and less blood sugar swings. Some pumps work together with CGM technology and provide even greater real-time feedback and insulin delivery.
There are websites which provide a wealth of up-to-date, evidence-based information, education and resources for people living with diabetes – including blood sugar monitoring instruction, interpretation of results, daily habits, lifestyle recipes, and ways to connect to others living with diabetes. Some are:
- The American Diabetes Association (ADA) Diabetes Research, Education, Advocacy | ADA
- Diabetes | Nutrition.gov
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) Diabetes – NIDDK
- Diabetes Devices & Technology | ADA
Get connected for better diabetes management!
Resources:
Technology and diabetes self-management: An integrative review – PMC
Highly Rated Apps for Diabetes – Diabetes Education Services
All Blogs are written by Professionals in the fields of Nutrition, Human Development and Diabetes.