Using Diabetes Technology to Maximize Diabetes Management

This chapter highlights various systems of diabetes technology and their applications in optimizing diabetes management. Diabetes technology is the application of scientific foundations and the practical utilization of evidence for developing devices and platforms aiming to enhance diabetes management for people living with this condition. The vast variety of options within the diabetes technology domain ranges from continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) to diabetes management applications and support, and from smart insulin pens to insulin pumps. Integrating innovative approaches and strategies into the management may help to reduce the burdens of those living with diabetes, and potentially improve one's quality of life. However, diabetes technology can also create a burden when introduced to a population that may not be technologically fluent. Through the lens of a highlighted patient case, we discuss the important factors to be taken into considerations prior to introducing the technology. Patient-specific characteristics, lifestyle, and preferences are key components to examine before initiating any technological devices, as this route is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Among the diabetes technologies, continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems gather sensor glucose data throughout the day to reflect the patterns and trends of glycemic levels to help guide therapeutic decisions. Multiple types of CGM systems are commercially available throughout the world. Insulin pumps with continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) can replace multiple daily insulin injections; when integrated with CGM; the integrated system can enhance the safe and effective use of insulin. The most advanced integrated system currently available is the hybrid closed-loop system (HCLS). Insulin pen devices collect patient-specific data, revealing users' behaviors to enhance treatment approaches. This class of devices can integrate with CGM as well. Lastly, diabetes data management platforms have helped overcome the barriers between healthcare providers and patients on data sharing and management for continuous assessment. Many healthcare providers have adopted digital health gradually to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of diabetes management; especially, the adoption has accelerated exponentially over the last couple of years during the COVID-19 pandemic. Diabetes technology is here to stay. Hence, healthcare leaders and providers are urged to integrate this innovative dimension in the most health-equitable way possible, so that medically underserved and vulnerable population is not left behind with the rise in technology. The goals of the diabetes technology discipline are the continuous promotion of development and advancement of the various platforms, as well as the adoption and integration of such technologies into patients' lives, so that—as a discipline—it contributes to improve diabetes management outcomes and enhance the quality of life. In achieving and maintaining these goals, scientists who have been developing and refining these technologies and clinicians who have been introducing patients to these devices and platforms both carry critical responsibilities and leadership, leading to the future of this discipline and the future of diabetes management.