While there is no cure for diabetes, medical professionals have continued to research and produce newer and better diabetes management technology that makes living with diabetes easier. With more than 11 percent of the U.S. population being diagnosed with diabetes, implementing effective and easily accessible (and easy-to-use) medical technology is critical for the well-being of not just affected individuals but the country as a whole.

What Technology Is Available to Manage Your Diabetes?

Continuous Glucose Monitors

Continuous glucose monitors (CGM) provide automatic and real-time glucose readings on a non-stop basis to help individuals closely monitor their blood sugar levels. It’s been shown to be more effective than its predecessor, blood glucose monitors (BGM), at reporting changes in glucose in the moment and over time.

CGMs are made up of three components: a small sensor inserted under your skin that analyzes how much glucose is in your interstitial fluid, a transmitter that communicates your levels via Bluetooth and a smartphone app (such as Dexcom or Glucose Buddy) that receives the signal and alerts you if there’s an issue.

Insulin Pen

Smart insulin pens were designed to replace syringes and the painful injections patients had to endure daily. Unlike syringes, these pens contain preloaded and mixed insulin, making injection easier and more discreet. They can connect via Bluetooth to your smartphone to help you analyze trends in your glucose levels and monitor your doses and injection history.

However, they are more expensive than syringes and require more frequent use than pumps, so whether an insulin pen will be the best option for you will depend on your preferences and insurance plan.

Insulin Pumps

Insulin pumps are wearable devices that artificially mimic a healthy pancreas by delivering a continuous flow of small insulin doses to your body. They can also include smartphone integration, allowing users to operate the device remotely using an app.

Closed-Loop Systems

Closed-loop systems, also known as artificial pancreas systems, are all-in-one integrated systems that combine CGMs and insulin pumps into a single device that automatically adjusts insulin delivery based on real-time glucose readings.

There are also Sensor Augmented Insulin Delivery (SAID) systems, which similarly combine insulin delivery with glucose sensors, but operate on an open-loop system, meaning they aren’t automatic and instead require manual operation.

Closed-loop systems are still being fine-tuned. Some may prefer to use individual CGMs and insulin pumps over them due to the higher costs, inflexible automation and incompatibility with certain insulin pumps associated with closed-loop systems. Our experienced pharmacists can advise you on whether you would benefit most from a closed-loop system or individual parts.

Telemedicine

Those with diabetes also have streamlined access to healthcare through telemedicine. There are a multitude of apps that can help them gauge their glucose levels so they can adjust their diet and physical activity accordingly. These apps can also help patients connect to healthcare providers so they can schedule consultations, ask questions and refill their prescriptions.

What Diabetes Technology Is Still in Development?

• Patches: Insulin patches are an experimental delivery system for insulin. Unlike pumps and pens, they use a dermal adhesive gel that allows the body to slowly absorb the insulin for pain-free delivery. Alternatively, diabetes pump patches are being designed to deliver insulin regularly like insulin pumps but within a smaller container.

• Implantable Devices: Researchers are developing implantable CGMs and insulin delivery devices that can be inserted inside your body for continual monitoring and insulation and eliminating the need for frequent device replacements.



• AI: Artificial intelligence is being studied as a method for analyzing comprehensive datasets of glucose readings, insulin dosing, blood sugar levels and physical activity quickly and generating real-time, personalized user recommendations with minimal user input.

Our Houston Pharmacists Will Help You Manage Your Diabetes

St. Hope’s full-service pharmacy that serves both St. Hope patients and non-patients. Our experienced pharmacists will fill your prescription promptly and help explain your medication instructions and treatment regime in depth. We’re here to answer any questions you have about your medical devices, such as what are the normal side effects of metformin and how to inject your insulin dosage.

Get expert guidance to assist you with your medication protocol. Find the St. Hope Pharmacy location closest to you and discuss potentially transferring your diabetes prescription to one of our pharmacies with one of our specialists today.