Diabetes Patches: What They Are and Do Work?

Diabetes patches are devices that can be applied to the skin to help manage diabetes. There are three main types of diabetes patches:

Insulin patches: These patches contain insulin, which is a hormone that helps the body use glucose for energy. Insulin patches are usually worn on the abdomen, thigh, or buttocks.

Glucose monitoring patches: These patches measure the amount of glucose in the interstitial fluid (ISF), which is the fluid that surrounds cells. Glucose monitoring patches are usually worn on the arm or abdomen.

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) patches: CGM patches measure the amount of glucose in the ISF and transmit the data to a receiver or other device. CGM patches are usually worn on the abdomen, thigh, or buttocks.

Do diabetes patches work?

There is some evidence to suggest that diabetes patches can be effective in helping to manage diabetes. For example, a study published in the journal Diabetes Care found that people with type 1 diabetes who used an insulin patch had better control of their blood sugar levels than people who did not use the patch. Another study published in the journal The Lancet found that people with type 2 diabetes who used a CGM patch lost more weight and had better control of their blood sugar levels than people who did not use the patch.

However, it is important to note that diabetes patches are not a substitute for other diabetes treatments, such as insulin injections or oral medications. Diabetes patches should only be used under the supervision of a doctor.

What are the side effects of diabetes patches?

The most common side effects of diabetes patches include:

Skin irritation: The adhesive on the patch can sometimes cause skin irritation.

Swelling: The patch can sometimes cause swelling at the injection site.

Infection: The patch can sometimes cause an infection at the injection site.

Bruising: The patch can sometimes cause bruising at the injection site.

Talk to your doctor about whether a diabetes patch is right for you.