Since the dawn of human history, diabetes has been a long-term health issue. While no cure is in sight yet, patients afflicted with it must use a variety of medical devices as well as lifestyle modifications to manage symptoms.
According to the University of Manchester, in the United Kingdom alone, the number of people with type-two diabetes having HbA1c tests, which give information about blood sugar levels over time, decreased by 77% in England and 84 percent in Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales during April when the country was under a lockdown.
A common aim among several in the medical device and healthcare industries is to develop an ecosystem via technology that allows patients to manage their diabetes remotely and obtain input from physicians, saving both money and time.
In an April 2017 Forbes article, one expert explained how some medical technicians might provide a closed-loop system, in which an insulin pump receives information from a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) to determine the amount of insulin it needs to administer into the body.
However, due to the nature of this condition, most individuals with type-one diabetes are advised to use extreme caution until their blood sugars have been confirmed to be under control. Some devices that may help you manage your diabetes include:
Blood Glucose Monitors
The blood glucose level is the primary indicator of a diabetic patient’s health. However, while doctors examine the average blood sugar level for an HbA1c test over a 6 to 12-week period, patients are also urged to use a blood glucose monitor at home.
In the case of diabetes, glucose monitoring equipment is worn on the body and measures blood sugar levels through a sensor inserted into a vein or via contact with blood. These devices frequently need a blood sample obtained via an included fingerstick instrument. They provide nearly-instant glucose readings, giving patients a sense of how well they handle their condition.
Continuous Glucose Monitor
The continuous glucose monitor, a further development of the blood glucose monitor, employs a sensor placed beneath the skin on the arm or stomach. The sensor communicates with a transmitter positioned above it through Bluetooth in today’s devices, informing your smartphone.
The transmitter will set off an alarm if the blood glucose levels are too low or high, and the app it connects with will provide patients more information on their glucose levels and what they may do to boost or reduce them as needed. One of the advantages of checking glucose regularly is that data from the app may be shared with a doctor to have a more profound knowledge of when highs and lows occur, which might lead to more tailored treatment suggestions and lifestyle guidance.
Insulin Pumps
In type 1 diabetes, the body’s inability to produce insulin in the pancreas as it should cause a disease state is referred to as insulin deficiency. This implies that patients with this condition must self-administer insulin several times daily, which might be made easier by using a pump.
An insulin pump is a small, battery-operated machine connected to a cannula inserted into the body, usually near the waist on the stomach. The pump may be programmed to deliver measured doses of short-acting insulin over time to imitate the action of the pancreas. A pump may also be used with a continuous glucose monitoring system to automatically adjust and administer the correct dosage as needed, relying on real-time glucose levels.
Smart Insulin Pens
A pump can be used to replace insulin pens for those with type one diabetes who previously relied on them. A pen is the only alternative for people with type two diabetes, who seldom qualify for a pump under national healthcare and insurance-based systems.
Insulin pens have changed dramatically in recent years, with built-in wireless communication and sensors allowing patients to monitor insulin delivery. These smart insulin pens, like the pumps, connect to a user’s smartphone app. They may input their most recent blood glucose reading and have an estimate of the proper insulin dosage delivered immediately, thanks to the technology built into them.
Diabetes management is a complex process, but with the help of innovative medical devices like blood glucose monitors, continuous glucose monitors, insulin pumps, and smart insulin pens, it can be more accessible than ever for people with diabetes to manage their condition. Edward James Letko is a medical device entrepreneur spearheading innovation in this field. His work is making life better for people with diabetes worldwide. Visit our website for information on this and much more.
