What Are the Best Devices for Type 2 Diabetes Patients on Insulin?

Insulin is a great way to control your blood sugar levels when lifestyle changes and oral medications for diabetes haven't done enough. However, using insulin can be a bit more complex than taking a shot few times per day. It requires some effort to determine how much insulin you'll need and the best time to administer it.

These devices can assist you to keep track of the delivery of insulin and dosing to help you manage the type 2 diabetes you suffer from.

Blood glucose meters
The blood glucose monitor is an important device if you suffer from the type two diabetes particularly when you are taking insulin. The measurement of your blood sugar at least once a day will reveal how the insulin you take is managing your diabetes and also if you have to alter the quantity or frequency of your dosages.

An instrument for measuring blood sugar monitors the amount of glucose that is present in a tiny portion of blood. In the beginning, you employ an instrument like a lancet or another sharp instrument to poke your finger. Then , you drop an amount of blood on the test strip and then insert it in the. The machine will inform you the level of your blood sugar so that you can determine if your blood sugar level is low or high.

Some blood glucose meters will save results onto your computer and give them to your physician. Your doctor will be able to review the blood sugar levels in the course of time and use these results in making required adjustments to your insulin regimen. It's particularly important to note the exact time you check your blood sugar level, and whether you've eaten, and when.

Continuous Glucose Monitoring Minus Calibration
Abbott's Continuous Glucose Monitoring System (CGM), FreeStyle Libre 2 is now available as an application for iPhones. This means that you can scan your sensor with the FreeStyle Libre 2 app instead of using the reader. This new method for continuous glucose monitoring could replace the traditional finger prick blood glucose check. Instead, the levels of blood glucose are measured by a sensor that is worn in the upper arm's back. The sensor can be kept in position and used for up to fourteen days in accordance with the manufacturer.1

Another alternative can be found in the Dexcom G6 which can transmit glucose measurements to your smartphone and Dexcom receiver, and without finger sticks (unless the symptoms or expectations don't coincide with readings).2

Eliminating finger pricks has been embraced by almost all patients with diabetes Dr. Ahn says. In fact, Dr. Ahn predicts that this technology targeted at first those suffering from type 1 diabetes will soon be adopted by the market for type 2 diabetes.

Smart Pens for Easier Insulin Injection
Smart pens, which are now sold by a handful of companies were popular with the late Dr. Ahn. One instance is Medtronics InPen. 6

InPen is a smart, reusable insulin pen that utilizes Bluetooth technology to transmit dose data to a mobile application. According to the manufacturer, it provides assistance with dose calculation and tracking, eliminating some of the "mental math" out of managing diabetes.

According to Medtronics "The Pen Injector works to Lilly Humalog(r) U-100 3.0 cartridges for mL and Novo Nordisk Novolog(r) U-100 3.0 cartridges mL, Novo Nordisk Fiasp(r) U-100 3.0 cartridges of mL and single-use disposable and detachable pen needles (not included). The pen injector permits users to adjust the dose desired between 0.5 -30 units with one half (1/2) units increments."

Insulin pump
An insulin pump can be a solution for those who need to administer multiple doses of insulin daily. The pump is an instrument roughly the size of the size of a cell phone that fits in pockets or can be attached to your belt, waistband or bra.

A thin tube known as catheter is used to deliver insulin via an incision under abdominal skin. When you insert insulin in the reservoir it will release an insulin stream throughout the entire day, as an insulin bolus and basal. It is typically used by people suffering from type 1 diabetes.

Jet injector
If you're scared of needles or feel injections uncomfortable, you could consider using an injector jet. The device makes use of high-pressured air to inject insulin through your skin and into your bloodstream, with no needles. Jet injectors are costly and more difficult for use than simple syringes and pen.