Technology has made diabetes management a revolution. Continuous glucose monitors have replaced finger pricks. Digital patches, insulin pumps, and continuous glucose monitors make insulin dosage more predictable. Connected devices promise an era of artificial pancreas. We examined the current state of diabetes technology and looked at what we can expect for the next 5-10 year.
Digital health tech companies and the diabetes community are pushing for change
Millions of people around the world continue to be affected by diabetes. The International Diabetes Federation estimates that 537 million people are affected by diabetes in the world. This number is increasing steadily. This means that millions of people must manage diabetes on a daily basis. It can lead to blindness, stroke, heart attack, kidney disease, or even amputation. Even more alarming is the possibility that this number will rise to 783 millions by 2045.
There are more tech companies that specialize in diabetes, including big tech companies like Google, Amazon, and Apple, as well as small start-ups within incubators. The diabetes community is one of the most active online groups. They are also working to make disease management easier, more efficient, and simpler.
The #wearenotwaiting twitter movement is the best example of community persistence. Dana Lewis, the initiator of this community, built a “artificial pancreas” at home with her husband and shared the blueprints and knowledge on Twitter to other diabetic patients, without having to wait for approval from the FDA or other agencies. Why? They were tired and angry at Medtech companies that failed to solve their problems.
What is an artificial pancreas (or artificial pancreas)?
Artificial pancreas is a closed loop system that continuously measures glucose levels and communicates with an insulin pump to automatically administer insulin and glucagon. This prevents grave complications such as the dead-in bed syndrome. Patients can die from low blood glucose while they sleep and are unable to correct it.
Patients with diabetes were forced to take matters into their own hands by the blatant failures of regulatory bodies and medical hardware companies. Their daily battle is one in which life and death are at stake.
Dana had been using the device for nearly two years before the US Food and Drug Administration approved it in 2016. Nearly 3000 patients currently use the openAPS system.
However, the times are changing. Over the years, medical companies have recognized the potential of connected health devices and began to pursue building an artificial pancreas. Meanwhile, digital health start-ups have introduced products for patients to allow them to use their smartphones and digital patches to monitor their blood sugar levels. This has been a steady increase in user base. Let’s take a look at where diabetes technology stands right now and see what the future holds for the industry.
Continuous glucose monitoring replaces finger pricks
No matter if they are Type 1 or Type 2, diabetes patients must monitor their blood glucose levels. This may mean that they will need to use a glucose meter as often as 10 times per day. This means that you can test a drop of blood through a needle prick up to 10 times per day. Do you find that sounds like a limiting, troublesome necessity? It is, and that is why many are trying to replace it.
DexCom, a San Diego-based diabetes management powerhouse, has been developing continuous glucose sensing technologies for over a decade. The FDA approved the G6 system in March 2018 and does not require finger pricks nor a blood draw. It works in the same way as other continuous glucose monitoring systems. The sensor is inserted under the skin and allows diabetics access to their blood sugar levels throughout the day. It can be connected to Apple Health, Garmin watches, and Google Fit for easier monitoring of metrics.
In collaboration with Alphabet’s Verily, the company upgraded the Dexcom G7. The G7 system was awarded the CE Mark in March 2022.
Google attempted and failed to build its own non-invasive technology for glucose monitoring. The smart contact lens was the first attempt. Big tech companies have learned from their mistakes: They need to be able to work with regulators and have the expertise of health industry professionals in order build safe devices.
DexCom was joined by other companies in the manufacture of CGM devices. Abbott has released the FreeStyle Libre wireless glucose monitor. This is a new generation of glucose monitoring devices that uses flash technology. A sensor is worn on the upper arm that measures glucose levels in body fluid, known as the “interstitial fluid”. Abbott was granted CE Mark clearance in October 2018 for the Freestyle Libre 2 device, which features Bluetooth and customizable alarms.
We now have studies that show how artificial pancreas devices can improve type-1 diabetes management for both children and adults.
Were we ever going to see non-diabetics also wearing glucose monitoring sensors?
Although the “official” continuous glucose monitoring devices may not have arrived in time, they quickly became a huge business opportunity. Their market was valued at USD 5.25 Billion in 2021 and is expected to grow to USD 14.92 Billion by 2030.
There is some debate about how many non-diabetic people would/could/should be able to benefit from CGM sensors. Temporary, but substantial, drops in blood sugar levels and spikes in blood sugar can also have adverse effects on non-diabetic people. Different metabolisms mean that different bodies react differently to the same nutrients.
Some medical professionals believe that people who are healthy could benefit from continuous monitoring of their blood sugar levels. Others suggest that instead paying monthly fees for these devices and services, people learn more about their bodies and develop healthier eating/snacking habits with support from their general practitioners.
These technological advances can be life-changing for diabetics. The Diabettech blog founder Tim Street said that continuous glucose monitoring, which is cheaper and more accurate, has been a major change for him. It has given him insight into the life of a Type 1 diabetic patient. This led him to switch from MDI insulin to a pump, and later to adopt artificial pancreas. We need to slow down and examine the non-invasive products that can be used for glucose monitoring such as digital skin patches, insulin pumps, and artificial pancreas.
Invasive or non-invasive: digital skin patches & co.
CGMs can be placed under the skin in a longer-term version. After being implanted, the Eversense sensor will continue to monitor your blood sugar for six months. The sensor generates a light signal to indicate the glucose level in your interstitial fluid.
Some people are hesitant about sensors being implanted in their bodies. It’s almost like an RFID chip. Many prefer non-invasive solutions. The FDA approved the POPS! One System for glucose testing on-the-go. Attached to a smartphone’s back, the device includes a lancet and a sensor port to measure blood glucose. You can also get all the other information you need in just 30 seconds. The numbers can be viewed on the accompanying smartphone application once testing is completed.
Nemaura, a UK-based company offers a non-invasive solution using its SugarBEAT CGM. It might be an appealing alternative for patients due to its low cost. Although it was not as accurate as CGM systems from Dexcom or other companies in its early days, Nemura has made significant improvements to the device in recent years. The FDA approved it in January 2022.
A skin patch that was developed by the University of Bath in England can measure glucose in skin interstitial fluid and take it out without the need to measure blood. Before we get to the artificial pancreas, let’s take a look at the most recent innovations in insulin dosage management. Without these technologies, there will not be an artificial pancreas.
Insulin pumps versus SmartPens
Insulin pumps can be programmed to deliver insulin at predetermined rates over a 24-hour period and keep track of usage patterns. These often bulky and not very patient-friendly devices must be attached to the body. Pens, on the other hand are lightweight, non-invasive, and affordable. Many diabetes patients opt for insulin pens. However, they are not programmable and don’t capture data.
This seems to be changing thanks to the latest innovations. InPen smart pens and NovoPen can be connected via Bluetooth to an app on your smartphone that tracks insulin timings and doses. Since December 2017, the U.S. has had InPen by Companion Medical available for iOS users. It works just like an insulin pen, but it has Bluetooth technology which connects to an intuitive smartphone app. The device tracks every dose and sends all data to a smartphone application.
NovoPens can also be reusable connected insulin pen, which allow you to download and store the last 800 shots (about three months worth) to another device. Additionally, their data can be connected to several diabetes monitoring systems for better management of diabetes.
When will artificial pancreas be in full display?
The artificial pancreas was finally addressed. To build such an artificial “organ”, it was necessary to learn about the latest developments in continuous glucose monitoring and insulin pumps. Both are essential to creating a “closed-loop” automated system. A CGM continuously monitors blood sugar levels. The pump uses an algorithm to determine the amount of insulin that the patient with diabetes needs to lower blood sugar to a specific range or to deliver glucagon (a hormone which releases sugar from the liver) in order to increase blood sugar. It would deliver the right dose to maintain blood sugar levels throughout the day.
Although manufacturers have not yet achieved a closed-loop system, they are working hard to do so. Grand View Research, Inc. has released a report that shows the market for artificial pancreas is growing rapidly. It is expected to be worth $390.4 million by 2024, according Grand View Research.
Medtronic’s MiniMed 670G hybrid closed-loop system is the closest to biohacking or DIY pancreas. The system continuously monitors blood sugar levels, and it automatically delivers insulin. However, you will still need to input the bolus insulin dosage (the insulin type that is usually taken with meals), based on what you have eaten.
Beta Bionics is currently developing the iLet Bionic Pancreas System that uses insulin/glucagon. The feasibility study is almost over. The pivotal trial results are encouraging.
We can see that a “real” artificial Pancreas will be on the market in the next 5-10 year based on the current trends.
What is the future? Is it possible to cure diabetes?
Researchers at MIT have developed a device that allows the body to keep the pancreatic islets healthy after it has been implanted. This innovation is truly forward-looking and already puts them on the path towards “real” artificial pancreas. Cornell University, Novo Nordisk and the University of Michigan Medical School also developed an implant that contained living pancreatic cells. These experiments could lead to an organic replacement for failing organs, either through gene therapies or by creating new stem cells-based organs.
From his part, Tim Street believes that “the future in this space is not only mechanical/technological. It’s also biological. The idea that glucose-responsive insulin could be taken once per week could respond to variations in blood glucose levels without the need for CGM or pumps is possible, but that’s still a ten year away. “In the meantime, potentially improved insulins may enable technological systems to function more effectively.” What if we look far into the future and dream big? He believes in gene therapies and that there is no need for diabetes management. This will be achieved by suppressing the immune system and gene therapies that cure the disease. We can only support this vision, and we hope one day that we are free from the daily struggles of diabetes.
The post Where does diabetes technology stand in 2022? The Medical Futurist first published this article.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is holistic medicine so much better?
Holistic health care focuses on treating the whole person rather than on individual symptoms. Holistic healthcare focuses on the whole person, not just individual symptoms. This includes how they feel, what they eat and where they live.
Holistic medicine considers all aspects of a patient’s life and treats them as a complete package. It may sound simple, but in practice, this approach is very difficult to achieve because most doctors focus solely on the physical side of patients.
Is holistic healing legitimate?
The answer is both yes and no. Yes. Many medicines have been shown to be effective against different ailments. They don’t cure all ailments. It all depends on your definition of “holistic.” If it means taking into account all aspects of an individual’s health, then yes, but if it just means using natural remedies over chemical ones then no.
Some believe that holistic medicine is a newer form of medicine. But this is simply untrue. Even though natural remedies were used in ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome by some healers, it was not scientifically proven.
Medical practitioners started to study anatomy and physiological science in the Middle Ages. This led to the development and practice of surgery, obstetrics and pharmacology. Most Western countries have developed public hospitals, where doctors can provide medical care, by the end of the 19th-century.
Conventional medicine is today the dominant type of healthcare. However, many people still prefer to use complementary and alternative medicine. Many people find that alternative medicine works better than pharmaceutical drugs.
People may feel more relaxed after having massage therapy than they do when taking tranquilizers. Some people enjoy healthy eating and avoid prescription medications. Others, however, find regular exercise to be a great way to keep their bodies functioning at peak performance.
What does it mean to use complementary medicine?
Complementary Medicine refers to any medical treatment that works in conjunction with mainstream medicine. This includes massage therapy, acupuncture and aromatherapy as well as traditional Chinese medicine, traditional Chinese medicine, yoga, and reflexology.
Complementary medications are not to be used as an alternative to conventional medicine. Sometimes they’re called “alternative”, or “integrative”, because they combine Western scientific methods along with other therapies that have proven to be effective in healing people.
What is holistic medicine’s opposite?
Holistic medicine is an approach to health care that considers all aspects of the human body and its emotional, social, spiritual, and environmental dimensions. It is based on the concept that any illness must have multiple causes and requires a combination of treatments for maximum effectiveness.
Holistic medicine physicians believe prevention is better then cure. They work closely with their patients to help them achieve optimal wellness.
They are trained to spot the root causes and prevent future disease. Holistic physicians treat the entire body, not just its organs. Holistic physicians often refer to the whole being as “the Body”.
They treat the whole body, not just the skin. The doctor may suggest lifestyle and diet changes. He may also recommend yoga and meditation, herbal supplements or massage, acupuncture treatment, or alternative medicine.
Statistics
- The use of alternative medicine in the US has increased, with a 50 percent increase in expenditures and a 25 percent increase in the use of alternative therapies between 1990 and 1997 in America. (en.wikipedia.org)
- These studies found that 38.4% concluded positive or possibly positive effects for CAM (12.4%), 4.8% concluded no effect, 0.7% concluded harmful effects, and 56.6% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
- An assessment of conventional treatments found that 41.3% concluded positive or possibly positive effects, 20% concluded no effect, 8.1% concluded net harmful effects, and 21.3% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
- A 15-year systematic review published in 2022 on the global acceptance and use of CAM among medical specialists found the overall acceptance of CAM at 52% and the overall use at 45%. (en.wikipedia.org)
- In 83% of the cases, the readers agreed. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- BIOFEEDBACK TRAINING and TENSION-TYPE HeADACHE – PubMed
- A Randomized controlled trial to determine the effect of foot reflexology on depression and anxiety in older women: PubMed
nccih.nih.gov
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- PubMed: The rise of complementary and other medicine: A sociological perspective
- PubMed: Holistic medicine – PubMed
cam.cancer.gov
How To
How to Deal with My Girlfriend Who Trusts Alternative Medicine
You can find advice on the internet for people who are caring for someone with mental illness. The internet isn’t able to provide much help for those who believe in alternative medicines.
There appears to be a significant divide between the groups. There is a huge divide between those who question conventional medicine and those that are open-minded about its benefits.
What happens if you meet someone who believes in alternative treatment for mental health problems?
Perhaps you feel confused or frustrated, because you don’t know how to react. What should you say to your partner if he tells that he would prefer to see an acupuncturist to his doctor? Or when he says he’d rather have antidepressants than eat gluten-free.
It’s important to ask questions. It can save you a lot of pain later.
So how can you ask difficult questions of him without offending? What if the man says he doesn’t trust doctors. Do you tell him that he shouldn’t trust anyone?
Or what if she says that she thinks that antidepressants aren’t working? Do you need to tell her that she’s wrong
Here is where things get tricky. If you point out her error, it could cause you to upset her further.
Alternativly, you might suggest that she sees an psychiatrist. This may cause more problems than it solves. This could cause her to be upset at you. Then again, she may think you’re trying to control her life.
So what do you need to do?
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This blog is a source of general information and discussion on health and related topics. Information and materials on this blog, on the website, or in any of the connected materials are not intended to replace or used as a substitute for the advice of a medical professional, diagnosis, or treatment. This blog does not represent the application of any nursing, medical or other health professional advice or diagnosis. We are unable to diagnose health conditions, offer second opinions or provide specific treatment recommendations via this blog or on our website.
If you or another person is suffering from a medical issue and you are concerned, consult your doctor or seek out other medical professional treatment as soon as possible. Do not disregard medical advice from a professional or delay seeking it due to information you seen on the blog or website or in any of the linked materials. If you’re experiencing an emergency medical situation, dial 911 or seek emergency medical assistance on the closest phone immediately.
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By: berci.mesko
Title: Where Does Diabetes Technology Stand In 2022?
Sourced From: medicalfuturist.com/where-does-diabetes-technology-stand
Published Date: Tue, 22 Nov 2022 09:00:00 +0000
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is holistic medicine so much better?
Holistic health care focuses on treating the whole person rather than on individual symptoms. Holistic healthcare focuses on the whole person, not just individual symptoms. This includes how they feel, what they eat and where they live.
Holistic medicine considers all aspects of a patient’s life and treats them as a complete package. It may sound simple, but in practice, this approach is very difficult to achieve because most doctors focus solely on the physical side of patients.
Is holistic healing legitimate?
The answer is both yes and no. Yes. Many medicines have been shown to be effective against different ailments. They don’t cure all ailments. It all depends on your definition of “holistic.” If it means taking into account all aspects of an individual’s health, then yes, but if it just means using natural remedies over chemical ones then no.
Some believe that holistic medicine is a newer form of medicine. But this is simply untrue. Even though natural remedies were used in ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome by some healers, it was not scientifically proven.
Medical practitioners started to study anatomy and physiological science in the Middle Ages. This led to the development and practice of surgery, obstetrics and pharmacology. Most Western countries have developed public hospitals, where doctors can provide medical care, by the end of the 19th-century.
Conventional medicine is today the dominant type of healthcare. However, many people still prefer to use complementary and alternative medicine. Many people find that alternative medicine works better than pharmaceutical drugs.
People may feel more relaxed after having massage therapy than they do when taking tranquilizers. Some people enjoy healthy eating and avoid prescription medications. Others, however, find regular exercise to be a great way to keep their bodies functioning at peak performance.
What does it mean to use complementary medicine?
Complementary Medicine refers to any medical treatment that works in conjunction with mainstream medicine. This includes massage therapy, acupuncture and aromatherapy as well as traditional Chinese medicine, traditional Chinese medicine, yoga, and reflexology.
Complementary medications are not to be used as an alternative to conventional medicine. Sometimes they’re called “alternative”, or “integrative”, because they combine Western scientific methods along with other therapies that have proven to be effective in healing people.
What is holistic medicine’s opposite?
Holistic medicine is an approach to health care that considers all aspects of the human body and its emotional, social, spiritual, and environmental dimensions. It is based on the concept that any illness must have multiple causes and requires a combination of treatments for maximum effectiveness.
Holistic medicine physicians believe prevention is better then cure. They work closely with their patients to help them achieve optimal wellness.
They are trained to spot the root causes and prevent future disease. Holistic physicians treat the entire body, not just its organs. Holistic physicians often refer to the whole being as “the Body”.
They treat the whole body, not just the skin. The doctor may suggest lifestyle and diet changes. He may also recommend yoga and meditation, herbal supplements or massage, acupuncture treatment, or alternative medicine.
Statistics
- The use of alternative medicine in the US has increased, with a 50 percent increase in expenditures and a 25 percent increase in the use of alternative therapies between 1990 and 1997 in America. (en.wikipedia.org)
- These studies found that 38.4% concluded positive or possibly positive effects for CAM (12.4%), 4.8% concluded no effect, 0.7% concluded harmful effects, and 56.6% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
- An assessment of conventional treatments found that 41.3% concluded positive or possibly positive effects, 20% concluded no effect, 8.1% concluded net harmful effects, and 21.3% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
- A 15-year systematic review published in 2022 on the global acceptance and use of CAM among medical specialists found the overall acceptance of CAM at 52% and the overall use at 45%. (en.wikipedia.org)
- In 83% of the cases, the readers agreed. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- BIOFEEDBACK TRAINING and TENSION-TYPE HeADACHE – PubMed
- A Randomized controlled trial to determine the effect of foot reflexology on depression and anxiety in older women: PubMed
nccih.nih.gov
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- PubMed: The rise of complementary and other medicine: A sociological perspective
- PubMed: Holistic medicine – PubMed
cam.cancer.gov
How To
How to Deal with My Girlfriend Who Trusts Alternative Medicine
You can find advice on the internet for people who are caring for someone with mental illness. The internet isn’t able to provide much help for those who believe in alternative medicines.
There appears to be a significant divide between the groups. There is a huge divide between those who question conventional medicine and those that are open-minded about its benefits.
What happens if you meet someone who believes in alternative treatment for mental health problems?
Perhaps you feel confused or frustrated, because you don’t know how to react. What should you say to your partner if he tells that he would prefer to see an acupuncturist to his doctor? Or when he says he’d rather have antidepressants than eat gluten-free.
It’s important to ask questions. It can save you a lot of pain later.
So how can you ask difficult questions of him without offending? What if the man says he doesn’t trust doctors. Do you tell him that he shouldn’t trust anyone?
Or what if she says that she thinks that antidepressants aren’t working? Do you need to tell her that she’s wrong
Here is where things get tricky. If you point out her error, it could cause you to upset her further.
Alternativly, you might suggest that she sees an psychiatrist. This may cause more problems than it solves. This could cause her to be upset at you. Then again, she may think you’re trying to control her life.
So what do you need to do?
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