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Diabetes Technology

Diabetes affects almost 8 percent of the United States population. Being able to regulate the disease with various technologies can make vast improvements to a diabetic's overall health. As of 2009, technologies used in diabetic treatment include pumps, computer software and meters.

  1. Need for Technology in Diabetes Treatment

    • Without technological equipment, it is much more difficult for an individual with diabetes to keep track of and adjust her glucose levels. If she cannot keep these levels consistent, she can experience fatigue, mood shifts, dizziness, shock or fainting. These symptoms can be potentially life threatening.

    Pumps

    • Insulin pumps treat diabetes by delivering doses of insulin through a needle or cannula that is placed under the skin. Because the pumps can give doses of insulin 24 hours a day, they are more predictable and have fewer errors in monitoring and dosing than other method types. They can be kept in a case, and most have detachment points so that they do not need to be attached to the diabetic when the diabetic wishes to participate in activities such as showering or playing sports.

    Computer Software

    • Computer software for diabetes is used to keep records of blood glucose levels and to help keep a diabetic diet plan on target. The software may consist of simple spreadsheets, or the software may be sophisticated enough to calculate how large a dose of insulin a person may need based on glucose intake. Some software can be downloaded for free, while other software can be purchased on discs for a reasonable fee.

    Meters

    • Meters are used to test a diabetic's blood glucose level. Most are sophisticated enough to store basic data about recent glucose tests, which allows users to get an average regarding their insulin needs and to be aware of tendencies. There are several different types of glucose meters available, including all-in-one, combined blood pressure and glucose cuff, food monitoring, continuous monitoring, visually impaired monitoring, and wristwatch monitoring. The type of meter used depends on the need of the diabetic--for instance, those whose blood sugar tends to vary the most before and after meals may select a food monitoring meter.

    Considerations

    • Diabetes technology, despite being incredibly helpful in diabetes treatment, cannot be used as a complete substitute for adequate diabetes education, proper diet, routine physical exams, medications, or exercise. Those who wish to use diabetes technology should recognize that control of blood glucose, not the knowledge or ability to use the technology, is the goal. All diabetes technology should be used under medical supervision.

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