For some people with diabetes, technology can be an important part of how they manage their diabetes.
Diabetes technology is continually advancing and there are now many types of tech devices that can help with insulin delivery, managing blood sugar levels, and more.
Technology isn’t always right for everyone, so before you decide to use diabetes technology it’s important to think about whether it’s the best choice for you. You can also chat it through with your healthcare professional.
Types of diabetes technology
Depending on the type of diabetes you have, you might already be using things like insulin pens and blood glucose monitors.
There are also tech devices such as insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors (CGM for short), which have grown in popularity.
When you hear your healthcare professional talking about diabetes technology, they’ll usually be talking about tech that helps you take insulin or tech to check your blood sugar levels.
But diabetes tech also includes apps that can help you keep an eye on your weight and activity levels.
Tech for taking insulin
Everyone with type 1 diabetes and some people with type 2 diabetes and other types of diabetes take insulin.
You can take insulin either with an insulin pen, an insulin pump or a smart insulin pen.
A newer technology for taking insulin is a hybrid closed loop system (sometimes called the artificial pancreas) where your pump releases insulin based on readings from your CGM.
Tech for checking sugar levels
It’s important if you live with diabetes that you try to keep your blood sugar within your target range. If you don't know what your target levels are you can discuss this with your diabetes team, who should support you with your diabetes management.
This can help to avoid serious diabetes complications, like problems with your feet and heart. Using diabetes tech helps some people keep a closer eye on their blood sugar levels.
As part of your essential diabetes health checks, you’ll have an HbA1c check every three, six or twelve months to check your average blood sugar levels.
People with diabetes who take insulin, and some people who take other medication that can cause low blood sugar, also called hypoglycemia or hypos, will check their blood sugar levels at home, too.
Blood sugar monitors
Blood sugar monitors have been around for a long time now. Using a monitor involves pricking your finger and adding blood on to a test strip, then the monitor will show your blood sugar level.
If you need one to help you manage your diabetes, your diabetes team can help you choose the right one for you.
CGM
CGMs let you check your sugar levels through sending readings to a smartphone app automatically. With CGMs you can see what happens to your sugar levels during the day and night, without pricking your fingers.
If you use the FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus you can scan the sensor either with a reader or a smartphone.
Other tech to help you manage your diabetes
Ketone monitors
There are other types of tech that can help you manage your diabetes, like ketone monitors, which measure the amount of ketones in the blood.
Ketones are a type of chemical that your liver produces when it breaks down fat.
You can have low levels of ketones in your blood without it being a problem. But high levels are a sign that something isn't quite right. When ketones build up in the blood they make it acidic and lead to a life-threatening condition called diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) which can be life-threatening.
If you have type 1 diabetes you should get a ketone monitor for free on the NHS. If you have another type of diabetes and use insulin or if you have diabetes and think you should have a ketone monitor and don’t have one, speak to your healthcare professional.
Apps
There are lots of apps that can help you with managing your weight, exercising and carb counting.
These aren’t always only for people with diabetes, but you might find them useful for keeping a record of what you’re eating and how much activity you do. There are also apps that are specially designed for people with diabetes, covering everything to help you manage your diabetes.
These apps can be downloaded onto your phone from wherever you usually download apps from, for example, the App Store or Google Play Store.
Closed loop systems
A closed loop system is sometimes called an artificial pancreas or an artificial pancreas system.
Some people might find these names give a false impression as it creates the idea that closed loop systems work in the same way as a working pancreas and that the person doesn't have to do anything.
This isn't the case as there are things that the person using the system needs to do. For example, you still need to count carbohydrates in your food and drink and tell the pump how many you're having.
The closed loop systems that are available on the NHS or to buy are called 'hybrid closed loop' systems because they combine automated insulin delivery with the manual parts the user needs to do.
How can I get diabetes technology?
There are certain criteria that you’ll have to meet to get diabetes technology prescribed for free through the NHS.
Read our guides to understand what you might be eligible for, and learn about self-funding if you don't qualify for tech:
- Can I get a continuous glucose monitor on the NHS?
- Can I get an insulin pump on the NHS?
- Can I get hybrid closed loop on the NHS?
If you’re not eligible for diabetes tech on the NHS, you can pay for your tech if you want to - but buying it and ongoing costs can be expensive.
It’s important to speak to your healthcare professional before you decide to pay for any technology, so that they can advise you on the tech that will suit you.
Is technology right for you?
Diabetes technology can change lives for the better and can vastly improve your diabetes care. But it’s not for everyone.
Read our guide on your feelings about diabetes technology to learn what to expect when you bring diabetes tech into your life, and to make sure you’re ready for some of the challenges that you might face.
Is there diabetes technology for people with visual impairment or dexterity issues?
There is currently limited diabetes technology for people with visual impairment or dexterity issues. However, you can discuss this with your healthcare professional to see which device may work best for you.
For example:
- Some insulin pens and blood glucose monitors are substantially bigger than others, making them easier to use if you have dexterity issues.
- Some blood glucose monitors also have audio output, which might be suitable if you have a visual impairment.
- If you struggle with memory, smart insulin pens might be helpful because they tell you when you last injected insulin, and how much you injected.
- Some blood glucose monitors also have a reminder function, and some can record events such as food, exercise and insulin injections. You can use tools on your smartphone such as ‘Read aloud’ to help you use the app that comes with your CGM.
We have previously supported the Patient Safety Commissioner (PSC) with a report to encourage more accessible medicines and medical technology for people with visual impairments and sight loss, with a particular focus on diabetes.
The report made recommendations for how to ensure tech is designed to be accessible that provide a guide for manufacturers to improve their products.
There is also ongoing work to ensure that the accessibility of tech is a key part of assessments when deciding which products offer are of the most value to use in the NHS.
