New diabetes technology in 2016 can help make it easier to manage diabetes. A variety of innovative products have already been introduced to the market and others will be released in the near future. Find out more about what the latest technology can do to help you manage diabetes.
Dexcom Glucose Monitoring Systems Today and In the Future
In 2015, Dexcom released two new glucose monitoring products, the G4 Platinum and the G5. Dexcom’s product is a CGM or Continuous Glucose Monitor System which allows for blood sugar checks every 5 minutes. It is applied to the body through a catheter that remains in place up to a week. It allows patients to follow blood sugar trends and alerts them when hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia may be occurring. Regular glucose testing must be done in conjunction with the CGM for calibration. The more advanced CGM – the G6 will likely hit the market sometime during 2016. Recent reports reveal the G6 will not require calibration, making it simpler to continuously monitor your blood glucose levels.
Raising Blood Sugar Levels with Nasal Glucagon
When blood sugar levels get critically low, it is important to raise them immediately. When a patient is passing out, or may no longer be alert enough to swallow glucose or juice to raise blood sugars, a glucagon injection was used by a partner. Now an injection may no longer be required. At the end of 2015, Eli Lilly & Company acquired the rights to Locemia’s nasal glucagon. This will make a life-saving treatment simpler to administer. The nasal glucagon is easy to carry and dose. Eli Lilly is expected to submit this product to the FDA early in 2016. This means it could be available on the market as soon as this year.
A New Version of the Insulin Pump is coming to the United States
The Medtronic Minimed 640G Insulin Pump may be coming to the United States by the end of 2016. The company plans to submit it to the FDA early this year. The insulin pump has gone through generations of improvements with this one offering a special feature. As with other pumps it allows for inserting a cannula into the body for up to 3 days for insulin delivery instead of multiple daily injections. This pump offers the “pump wizard calculator” which makes sure you are getting the proper amount of insulin during activity or snacks. The 640 G insulin pump actually “thinks” to help you achieve better glucose control. The latest advance is the “Smart Guard” feature which stops insulin flow when the glucose level is dropping (similar to a healthy pancreas) to prevent hypoglycemia. It uses pre-set low numbers to achieve this. It also restarts the insulin flow when glucose levels start to increase.
The Small and Cordless Glucose Monitor
The Freestyle Libre Flash Glucose Monitoring System from Abbott works much like a CGM- continuous glucose monitor. However, this model is about the size of a quarter and is cordless. It has a slightly invasive sensor that sticks to the arm just under the skin. A small digital reader is waved over the glucose monitor to read blood sugar highs and lows. These innovative sensors last for 14 days. This product is already available in Europe. The trials in the United States are complete, so it is expected to reach patients in the US in 2016.
Inhaling Insulin
For those who dread insulin injections, a newer method of inhaled insulin administration is now available from Afrezza. The older inhaled insulin device was large and difficult to carry; the operation system was not as convenient as this one. A device that resembles a pipe is used to inhale the insulin, which comes in the form of a micro fine powder. Within 15 minutes, the insulin peaks in the bloodstream. It also leaves as quickly. It functions much like natural levels of this hormone to help regulate your blood sugar. This insulin will be used as rapid acting insulin prior to meals. You may still need to inject basal insulin one time a day. You would need to be cautious if you are a smoker or suffer from other lung issues such as asthma or COPD. This new way of administering insulin actually hit the market in 2015 and is expected to have more widespread use in 2016.
Wearing Smart Contacts – New Diabetes Technology
While this might not be new diabetes technology in 2016, smart contacts are going play a role in the future of diabetes management. Google and Alcon are collaborating on this cutting edge technology developed by GoogleX. A glucose sensor ring will be located around the edges of the contact lens. This ring will read tear fluid and send a signal to a small circuit that translates this reading to determine your blood glucose level. Then the reading will be wirelessly sent to your Smartphone. These lenses will also be able to hold a prescription for people with diabetes who need corrective lenses. While many people would like to have them in 2016, it could take up to ten years for smart contacts to become available on the market.
New diabetes technology is 2016 makes it faster and easier to manage diabetes. The devices are simpler to use, smaller and more accurate. Ask your doctor to learn more about the latest innovations in diabetes self-management.
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