Diabetes technology: What to expect in 2022

Insulin pumps

Traditional insulin pump therapy is fairly straightforward: A handheld device — either physically connected to an infusion site through tubing or wirelessly connected to a small insulin delivery device on the body — inputs a person's insulin needs, which are then delivered. While there are still traditional insulin pumps available, we're seeing more hybrid or closed loop insulin delivery systems. For many people living with diabetes, these will be able to automate some of their care and possibly alleviate some emotional and mental burdens.

The automated insulin delivery (AID) systems expected to become available in 2022 include:

Insulet Omnipod 5: Formerly known as "Horizon", the Omnipod 5 system is a long-awaited step toward smart pump territory. It's the first patch pump with an algorithm for automatic insulin dosing.

Tandem Mobi: Previously referred to as the "t:sport", this new Tandem model will utilize the ControlIQ algorithm in a compact physical pump. The pump will be controlled by a smartphone app. It will have the ability to connect with currently available tubing lengths as well as a 4-inch set, which mimics a patch pump footprint on the body.

Medtronic Minimed 780G: The next version of the Minimed system, the 780G, is an Advanced Hybrid Closed Loop (AHCL). Among the system's notable traits are its ability to remotely update software as it's released and its adjustable blood glucose target — between 100 mg/dl and 120 mg/dl.

Continuous glucose monitoring

With the life-improving technology of continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), people living with diabetes can gain insight into their diabetes management, receive alerts for out-of-range blood glucose levels, and share data with caretakers and healthcare providers.

This coming year, we expect improvements in standalone CGM technology and the potential for increased interoperability with closed loop systems.

Senseonics Eversense 180-Day CGM System: With the recent announcement of FDA approval for 180-day wear of the Eversense 180-Day implantable sensor, the time between sensor removal and insertion has increased from three months to six. Additionally, calibration has decreased from twice daily to once.

Dexcom G7 CGM: The new model of the Dexcom CGM is expected to be smaller, thinner, and fully disposable. Its current 10-day wear will hopefully reach 14. Its two-hour warm-up period will drop to 30 minutes, significantly decreasing the time spent without data. With more closed loop systems that require continuous data on the market, a shorter warm-up period has grown significantly important.

Abbott Freestyle Libre 3: Differing significantly from the initial Libre, which required scanning and offered no alerts, the Libre 3 is expected to provide fresh data every minute through a mobile app. The sensor itself is expected to be 70 percent smaller than the Libre 2 and use 41 percent less plastic overall.

Smart pens

For those with diabetes who prefer multiple daily injections (MDI), smart insulin pens can be a gamechanger. 2022 promises more options for those interested in optimizing their diabetes management with shots instead of pump therapy.

Lilly Tempo Smart Pen: Improving upon the existing Kwik Pen, the Tempo Pen is intended to be part of the Tempo Personalized Diabetes Management Platform, which is currently under development. The system is expected to transmit insulin dosing information between the pen and mobile app, eventually providing insulin dosing decision support personalized to the user.

Bigfoot Biomedical Unity System: The Bigfoot Unity Diabetes Management System will Integrate smart pen caps, the Freestyle Libre 2 sensor, a blood glucose meter, and a mobile app. It will offer a new approach to utilizing features previously exclusive to pumps. The supplies are bundled and delivered on a regular schedule, which is also a unique feature. Currently available in limited markets, a wide release is pending.

Innovations in diabetes technology

It's only the beginning of 2022, so it's hard to predict what other changes may come about this year. The rumors about new diabetes devices and improvements in care are intriguing, but it can be a struggle to stay patient until they're available for use. Hopefully, we'll see efficient approval and distribution for the items in the current pipeline. Even better, there may be additional enhancements to come.

If you're curious about these upcoming additions to your diabetes management options, you may also be interested in learning more about AID, or automated insulin delivery. Here's what you need to know about automated insulin delivery.