Insulin delivery devices and technology

People with type 1 diabetes treated with multiple daily insulin injections struggle to achieve guideline-recommended targets for time in hypoglycemia while simultaneously reaching their glycated hemoglobin goals, researchers report.

Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion users have more stable glycated hemoglobin levels over the long term than multiple daily injection users with type 1 diabetes, a real-world study suggests.

The d-Nav system, which calculates insulin dose adjustments according to glucose levels, can help people with type 2 diabetes achieve larger reductions in glycated hemoglobin levels than with healthcare professional support alone, shows a randomized trial in The Lancet.

DIY closed-loop insulin delivery has provoked controversy within the diabetes community, raising questions around patient empowerment, safety and liability, and whether the regulatory process remains fit for purpose in a technological age. medwireNews takes a look at the issues.

Lucidi P et al. Curr Diab Rep 2018; 18: 83. doi: 10.1007/s11892-018-1065-6

Nishimura A et al. Diabetes Ther 2018. doi: 10.1007/s13300-018-0457-6

Oriot P et al. Acta Diabetol 2018. doi: 10.1007/s00592-018-1170-7

McDonnell ME. Curr Diab Rep 2018; 18: 42. doi: 10.1007/s11892-018-1015-3

Editorial Board member Sanjay Kalra presents his view on the march toward greater integration of digital health technologies and how traditional approaches to diabetes management are already changing.

Zivkovic M, Petrovski G, Bitoska I. Acta Diabetol 2018; Advance online publication. doi: 10.1007/s00592-018-1147-6

As the utility and availability of devices surges, so too do patient expectations. Advisory Board member Katharine Barnard provides key consultation questions to help determine your patients’ greatest needs and obstacles.

Kishimoto M, Tamada S, Oshiba Y. J Diabetes Metab Disord 2017; 16: 44. doi: 10.1186/s40200-017-0327-1

Editorial Board member Sanjay Kalra shares his pragmatic and practical suggestions on initiating, monitoring, and titrating suitable patients on U500 regular insulin.