6 tech solutions to manage your diabetes

Technology has made managing diabetes easier than ever.

Gone are the days of manual diary entries to track your blood glucose levels (BGLs), food, exercise and insulin doses. Instead, information can now be automatically synced to your blood glucose meter, your continuous glucose monitor or even your insulin pump.

Not only does this cut out a lot of work for you, but technology can also provide your treating team with important, detailed data to help better manage your condition.

Here, we explore the latest diabetes management tech, including tools that may help you take control of your condition.

Continuous glucose monitors (CGM) are a game changer in diabetes management, helping people with any type of diabetes keep their BGLs under control.

The small, wearable device effortlessly tracks your BGLs around the clock, without the need for finger prick tests.

It uses a small sensor that’s inserted under the skin (usually on the stomach or arm) to measure glucose levels. The data is wirelessly sent to a receiver or mobile app, which triggers an alert if your BGLs are outside of your target range.

This can be lifechanging, even lifesaving, if you often or unexpectedly experience low BGLs (hypoglycaemia).

Some continuous glucose monitoring devices are subsidised through the National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS).

Like continuous glucose monitors, this technology uses a sensor to test your glucose levels without pricking your finger.

A sensor is worn for a fortnight just under the skin on the back of your arm. This scans the area with a glucose reader, giving you 8 hours of data tracking trends and changes to your BGLs.

The information can be downloaded into software or an app and can help you and your treating team better understand your diabetes.

Some flash glucose monitoring devices are subsidised through the NDSS.

Blood glucose meters have been a staple in diabetes management for decades. But, they’ve also come a long way in that time.

These portable devices measure BGLs in a drop of blood. Though, unlike continuous glucose management systems, the meters only provide a snapshot of your BGLs when the finger prick test was performed.

There are numerous blood glucose meters on the market, all with different features (like syncing up with devices or apps).

These small devices are designed to deliver insulin to the body through a tiny tube called a ‘cannula’. They’re usually clipped to a belt or waistband, and the cannula is inserted under the skin (usually on the abdomen).

Insulin pumps can be programmed to deliver a steady stream of insulin throughout the day. 

Alternatively, after a meal or snack, you can enter the amount of carbohydrates you consumed, and the pump will deliver a dose of insulin based on the amount required to correct your BGLs.

Insulin pumps work to keep BGLs stable by providing more accurate doses than traditional injections. They can also be programmed to deliver insulin at different rates throughout the day, mimicking your body’s natural release of insulin.

These reusable injector pens connect to smartphone apps. They’re designed to help maintain target BGLs by calculating and tracking insulin doses and providing reminders, alerts and reports.

One study that analysed 1,500 people over almost 3 years found that smart insulin pens helped them keep their BGLs within their target range for longer. And, that the pens may be useful in reducing hypoglycaemia.¹

Smartphone apps can help you keep records of your diet, monitor your glucose levels, track your exercise habits and more. Some can even help you set goals and provide personalised recommendations.

Apps are easily accessible and can be used on the go. You can have all your data in the one place and receive real-time feedback on your BGLs. Some apps can also sync with other devices, such as CGM systems and insulin pumps.

Apps like Glucose Buddy Diabetes Tracker, DiabetesConnect and One Drop are popular options. But, ultimately, the best app is the one that helps you reach your goals while making your life easier.

Diabetes tech can help you manage your condition and enjoy a better quality of life, but not every option is suitable for every person. It’s important to talk to your diabetes treating team about which one might be right for you.

Diabetes Australia offers resources on preventing and living with diabetes, including information about glucose monitoring. Visit their website or call them on 1800 177 055.

Visit the NDSS website to find out more about continuous glucose monitoring and flash glucose monitoring subsidies in Australia.