Diabetes care has come a long way in recent years, with technological advancements playing a significant role in improving the lives of people with diabetes. From continuous glucose monitoring to automated insulin delivery, recent technology, including AI, has enabled the development of several exciting options to help people with diabetes optimize their health.
Jane K. Dickinson, RN, Ph.D., CDCES
2024 President, Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists (ADCES)
Some of the most popular devices that are currently available to individuals with diabetes include:
Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs): A device that measures glucose levels in real-time using a sensor under the skin. It helps people with diabetes track their glucose levels, and identify trends and proactively respond to them.
Smart insulin pens: A connected insulin pen that can track insulin doses and send reminders to take insulin. It syncs this information with a smartphone app to make trend identification easier.
Insulin pumps and automated insulin delivery (AID) systems: Insulin pumps have been around for a while, and new AID technology combines a pump and CGM with a mathematical algorithm to automatically deliver insulin. This system is designed to help regulate glucose levels by delivering insulin when needed, based on real-time glucose readings from the CGM.
Life-changing solutions
These technologies can be truly life-changing for many people living with diabetes. As with any new technology, however, there’s a learning curve. People are often challenged with using these devices effectively, troubleshooting, and interpreting the data to make treatment decisions. This is not always easy, though it can become more manageable with the help of a diabetes care and education specialist.
Diabetes care and education specialists are healthcare professionals dedicated to helping people with diabetes become experts in their own care, make informed choices, and get the most out of their treatment options, including using these new technologies. They are especially helpful when it comes to device initiation or start-up, overall education and support, and follow-up to make any adjustments the person needs.
Ask your primary care professional or endocrinologist for a referral to a diabetes self-management education and support program in your area. Or visit adces.org to find an accredited program near you.
