Technology in diabetes has provided enormous benefits in recent years, providing new and increasingly better tools for the treatment of diabetes. Today we have on-demand or real-time continuous glucose sensors, pumps and infusion ports for a more precise and comfortable way of administering insulin, new insulin formulations and wonderful advances in the area of islet transplantation through nanotechnology.
What technological tools do we have available in our country?
We currently have three types of continuous glucose sensors that allow us to know how the blood sugar curve behaves throughout the day. These devices are placed through the skin by inserting a very small sensor into the subcutaneous cellular tissue that will detect the concentration of glucose in the interstitial fluid, which closely resembles the concentration of glucose in the blood. Every 3-5 minutes, these sensors send information on the glucose concentration through a transmitter that is attached to the skin to a device that reads said information (it can be an insulin pump, a specific reader or a cell phone application). In this way, people with diabetes can have continuous information on their glucose without the need to prick their fingers. Each use lasts between 7 to 14 days depending on the sensor. In addition to convenience, these devices provide a wealth of information for patients and medical professionals to make more accurate treatment decisions.
We also have a very small patch-type insulin pump that adheres entirely to the skin without the need for tubing and remote management with a diabetes manager. On the other hand, we also have an insulin pump integrated with a continuous glucose sensor that has automation algorithms (basal doses and auto-corrections). This allows us to get closer to the concept of “artificial pancreas” since it frees users from many daily decisions to maintain glucose levels within the desired range, as long as possible.
Recently, a new formulation of fast-acting insulin (faster aspartic) arrived in our country, which allows a greater effectiveness of action of this type of insulin usually used for mealtimes and glycemic corrections.
How can technology applied to diabetes benefit a person with diabetes?
The application of technological tools in the treatment of diabetes can result in enormous benefits to achieve better glycemic control and to provide greater comfort and safety in the day-to-day life of people living with diabetes. It should be clarified that different technological tools can be used by people with type 1, type 2 or gestational diabetes.
You can find more information about diabetes technology on my Instagram and Facebook pages: @diabetesytecnología
Dra Laura López – Medical Endocrinologist – MP 2409 – ME1438
You may also like
by CEDOC