As previously mentioned, the two main systems for managing diabetes are CGM systems to monitor blood glucose levels and insulin pumps to distribute insulin automatically when needed. There are several brands and models to choose from, with varying features and different intervals at which the sensor must be swapped out (referred to as the length of time for continuous wear).
CGM system options include:4
- Eversense CGM System: This provides 90 days of continuous wear, with real-time glucose monitoring every five minutes. At the 90-day mark, users must return to a healthcare provider for the placement of a new sensor. This system comes with its own mobile app and also features an on-body vibration alarm if glucose levels rise or fall outside a safe range.
- Dexcom CGM System: This system provides real-time monitoring every five minutes for 10 days of continuous wear. It also provides alarms and alerts, including a predictive alarm when glucose levels are expected to fall too low within the next 20 minutes. Although this system provides far fewer days of continuous wear than the Eversense system, Dexcom offers other advantages, such as integration with insulin pumps. It can also be used on children as young as two.
Automatic insulin pumps can be especially attractive for patients who dislike giving themselves injections. These wearable devices for diabetes, which typically fit in the palm of one’s hand, are typically worn attached to a belt or an armband. An insulin pump usually connects to a thin tube implanted under the skin, which delivers the insulin.4
Some examples of insulin pumps include:4
- Insulet Omnipod DASH: Instead of using a tube to pump insulin, this device delivers the hormone via a pod, which must be changed every two to three days. It integrates with a Dexcom sensor via Bluetooth technology. Another perk of this device is that it’s fully waterproof.
- Tandem t:slim X2: This pump also integrates with the Dexcom sensor. It is capable of automatically adjusting the dose of insulin based on current glucose readings to prevent both glucose highs and lows. Unlike the Insulet Omnipod DASH, it’s not fully waterproof, but it is watertight for up to 30 minutes in up to three feet of water.
In addition to CGM systems and insulin pumps, other types of technology may also prove useful. For example, some diabetes patients may consider wearing an activity/fitness tracker on their wrists. This device, which looks like a smartwatch, can help diabetes patients ensure that they are getting enough exercise.5
Similarly, biometric sensors can track a variety of data types, including information about one’s cardiovascular health. Because cardiovascular health problems are more common in people with diabetes, these types of sensors may help patients stay on top of their health more effectively.5
