7 Ways to Use Technology for Type 2 Diabetes Management

Jul 07, 2023

Technology can help better control blood sugar and simplify managing type 2 diabetes. This article discusses some of the best ways to use technology for diabetes.

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Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) is wearable technology used to monitor glucose levels at all times. A sensor is placed beneath the arm's or belly's skin and reads interstitial glucose, which is the level of glucose found in the fluid between cells. In younger people it can be placed on the buttocks.

It's designed to take measurements of your glucose levels all day and night and provide a snapshot of your levels at any given time.

Keeping track of trends in how your glucose levels rise and fall throughout the day in real-time aids in the overall management of diabetes because it can give you insight as to where your blood sugar is and where it is going so you can discover patterns and make necessary changes to better balance your blood sugars.

A continous glucose monitor may benefit you if you have type 2 diabetes and:

Some notable features include:

CGM may also be used alongside an insulin pump.

The cost of a CGM device ranges depending on the brand. The price range for a yearly supply can be as little as $1500 to as much as $6400. That said, Medicare covers the cost of CGM if a person meets all the requirements to qualify for coverage. Qualifying factors range and are up to the medical provider's discretion.

An insulin pump is a computerized device that is attached to the body and allows for constant insulin delivery. A catheter can attach the pump; however, some may be secured without tubing. A third option, a pump patch, is disposable and doesn't require tubing or a catheter. The pump sends insulin into the bloodstream when needed throughout the day.

The pump helps people avoid spikes or falls in blood sugar throughout the day, which keeps insulin levels stable. Because insulin is delivered automatically throughout the day, it helps achieve tighter blood sugar control. It helps to avoid large glucose changes. The pump is programmed to deliver what is known as a basal amount, which is the amount of insulin needed to keep blood sugar levels normal.

While the pump delivers insulin automatically, it can also be used manually to give yourself insulin when needed. Fast-acting insulin can delivered before a meal to prevent high blood sugar eating.

Using a CGM with an insulin pump encourages better diabetes management. The data gathered by the CGM can be used to program the insulin pump throughout the day. Using both devices together is shown to significantly help manage diabetes by reducing the risk of high or low blood sugar.

The upfront costs associated with an insulin pump can be as much as $4500. Annual fees for insulin pump supplies range but typically cost upwards of $1500 per year. That said, many insurance companies will pay as much as 80–90% of the total costs for an insulin pump for those who qualify.

A glucometer, also known as a blood glucose monitor, is a small device that measures blood glucose levels with a small sample of a person's blood. These meters can only tell a person their blood sugar levels at that moment.

The device uses a sample of blood you obtain by pricking your finger. You then gather the blood on a small sensory tab and put it into the meter. Glucometers are a standard monitoring device in diabetes management.

While the initial upfront cost of a glucometer can be affordable at roughly $40 to $60, the annual fees for test strips can be anywhere from $1000 to $3000. That said, people with Medicare Part B are typically covered and will not have to pay out of pocket.

An insulin pen is a device that contains insulin. Within the pen are vials or cartridges of insulin that can be delivered manually through a disposable needle. People who are more on the go typically use them as they provide the freedom to give themselves insulin injections wherever they are.

There are two types of insulin pens:

Disposable pens contain cartilages of insulin and get thrown out once they're empty. Reusable pens can be refilled with new cartridges once it is empty. The empty cartridge gets tossed, and you keep the pen.

Reusable smart device pens also work alongside a companion app to track dosages and provide much-needed data to help manage diabetes. Smart insulin pens can also:

Insulin pens and insulin are not covered under Medicare Part B insurance. That said, Medicare Part D does cover the costs of injectable insulin used with a pen. Without insurance, using insulin pens to manage your diabetes can cost upwards of $100 per month.

Smartphone apps are also often used to help with diabetes management. They track food, exercise, blood glucose levels, medication, and carb intake.

The apps, although helpful, need to be used alongside another monitoring system if you want to track your glucose levels. There are many apps to choose from, so picking the right one will depend entirely on what you want to track.

Apps used to track diabetes can range significantly. For example, BlueStar Diabetes is free and allows for blood glucose and carb monitoring, as well as viewing lab results and sending information to your healthcare provider. Other apps, such as Glucose Buddy, are free to download but have in-app products that cost anywhere from $15 to $60.

Telemedicine is medical care that is provided over the phone or online. It is often used when it isn't necessary to be in the same physical vicinity as your medical provider.

This type of healthcare provides ongoing support for people managing their diabetes by helping them keep track of their treatment plans, learn about new treatment options and screen for any complications associated with the disease.

Telemedicine saves you money by eliminating the cost of an in-office visit. Research has found that the patient and the medical provider save money, especially when screening for complications such as diabetic retinopathy, through telemedicine.

Self-management of diabetes can be difficult and isolating, so joining an online community may be a valuable way to connect with others who share the same experience. While an online community won't manage your diabetes effectively on its own, it will help you share the burden with others.

The resources and connections offered by an online community provide people with diabetes knowledge and support where they need it most. An online diabetes community can be:

Other ways online communities can benefit people who have diabetes is by giving them a place for local and global advocacy, self-expression, and humor. Humor and joy surrounding a person's experience with diabetes are essential because they act as a healthy and beneficial coping mechanism.

It is free to participate in an online community. Because of this, it is one of the easiest ways to connect with others and further improve your diabetes management.

Technological advances have made it easier than ever to keep track of blood glucose levels and manage diabetes. Many tech options, such as smart insulin pens, glucose monitoring systems, and apps, can effectively assist a person in keeping on top of their blood sugar levels.

Using technology to manage your diabetes makes it much easier and allows you to live more freely. In some cases, technology can connect you to others. While that doesn't directly keep track of your diabetes, it can help you cope with the condition.

A smart insulin pen is a device that works the same as a typical insulin pen but pairs with an app. Within the app, glucose levels, dosages, and trends can all be tracked for better management. The smart insulin pen is a great way to manage blood glucose levels if you’re often on the go.

The cost of a CGM device isn't clear-cut because it depends on the brand and whether or not a person has insurance. The entire cost may be covered if a person has Medicare and qualifies for the device based on their medical provider's recommendation. However, without insurance, a CGM device could cost upwards of $100 a month.

Patients that need a CGM device can order either online or over the phone. The process was made easy so people with diabetes could access their care devices without hassle. That said, a prescription from your medical provider is still needed to get the device.

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By Angelica BottaroAngelica Bottaro is a professional freelance writer with over 5 years of experience. She has been educated in both psychology and journalism, and her dual education has given her the research and writing skills needed to deliver sound and engaging content in the health space.