Reducing stress by automating diabetes management

Decades ago, diabetes management looked a lot different.

People living with diabetes would take their porcine (pig) or bovine (cow) insulin, according to Diabetes.co.uk, using a glass syringe that they sharpened and boiled between uses, as The University of Queensland described. To calculate what dose of insulin was most appropriate, they'd check the glucose levels in their urine.

Seriously.

These days, we're able to wear discreet, cutting-edge devices that deliver insulin with precision, and we can see streaming data of our glucose levels right on our phones! This upgrade in diabetes technology has largely allowed for tighter glucose control as well as more streamlined — and automated — insulin delivery. In addition, for many people, the developments have provided peace of mind and reduced stress levels.

Curious about automating your diabetes management? Here's what you should know.

The benefits of streaming glucose data

People living with diabetes know that their management needs are likely to fluctuate throughout the day based on a number of factors, including their diet, exercise regimen, overall well-being, and stress levels. Years ago, the only way to check blood sugar levels was to test urine, but then technology progressed to allow at-home blood sugar checks using a lancet and a home glucometer.

Now, a device called a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) can be inserted under the skin to read interstitial glucose values, sending that information to an external monitor. Seeing blood sugar numbers in context — versus as snapshots throughout the day — helps those with diabetes isolate trends and make adjustments in pursuit of a higher time-in-range. CGMs allow for real-time responses to real-time blood sugar results.

Using this technology, people with diabetes can review their CGM graphs and use the arrows (indicating if blood sugar is rising, falling, or stable) to help predict an out-of-range event. Users can even set alarms for trends leading to low or high blood sugar, providing an audible safety net for those who may have a glycemic event overnight.

This has revolutionized the way many people approach their diabetes management, as it has enabled them to take a more proactive approach to their numbers. It's also helped caregivers, as CGMs allow for remote monitoring. Now, people with diabetes and their loved ones can easily stay connected and informed about blood sugar trends.

How insulin pumps can streamline management

Another advancement in the automation of diabetes management, insulin pumps allow people to control the dosing of their insulin with remarkable accuracy. Thanks to the device, a user can have varying basal rates as well as insulin-to-carb ratios. They can also measure out extremely small doses of insulin to account for meal doses or correction boluses.

Another huge benefit is that insulin pumps make management less painful — it's possible to pierce your skin once every three days instead of several times a day. Additionally, wearing a pump means you have access to your insulin 24/7, instead of needing to remember insulin pens or vials whenever you leave the house.

Automation allows for less worry and work

Several insulin pumps are also able to integrate and communicate with CGMs. By using an algorithm, they can make automated and carefully regulated adjustments to insulin levels to keep blood sugar in a tighter range. This development is a huge step forward in reducing the mental load of diabetes. This smart technology can actually do some of the "thinking" for you.

A less-discussed benefit of this automation technology is its discretion. These diabetes devices can either be hidden beneath clothing or worn visibly so that other people with diabetes can see their fellow community members in the wild. Sometimes you may want to let your flag fly, and other times, you might want to fly under the radar — this technology allows you to make that decision for yourself.

Overcoming feelings of overwhelm caused by technology

Diabetes technology has advanced by leaps and bounds over the last 30 years. Sometimes, it can be dizzying to think about how much has changed — and how much may become automated in the coming years. You're not alone in occasionally feeling overwhelmed!

Wearing an insulin pump or CGM (or both) can be a big ask for people with diabetes, and the desire or ability to wear devices can ebb and flow depending on financial situations, skin issues, mental health, etc. Add that to the demands of diabetes, and you might find yourself feeling frazzled by the technology.

During these times, remember that you can choose to use these devices, and you can also choose to take them off for periods of time. You can even reduce the frequency of the devices' alarms, helping to reduce alarm fatigue. If temporarily switching back to fingersticks and daily injections helps reduce your stress levels, go for it.

When taking a break from the technology, it's a good idea to have your insulin ratios and settings written down. Also, be sure to reach out to your care team for guidance on switching insulin delivery methods at home.

The bottom line is that CGM technology, and diabetes technology as a whole, is a device grouping that's constantly growing and changing — and these advancements are making a huge difference in both health outcomes and quality of life. Increasing access to this technology is important, and as a community, we should all work to improve access to this and other treatments.

Looking to read up on other cutting-edge diabetes technologies? Check out Health Insights on edgepark.com for more insight into diabetes technology and innovation.