Innovations on the forefront of glucose monitoring and insulin delivery are revolutionizing the state of diabetes care.
Staying abreast of the latest advancements in diabetes technology is critical for improving patient care. The field of diabetes management continues to rapidly evolve with products designed to optimize glucose monitoring, insulin delivery, and patient convenience.
Next-generation continuous glucose monitors are becoming more accurate and user-friendly, while smart insulin pens represent an accessible step into insulin delivery without the complexity of a pump. Recent developments in insulin patches and infusion sets offer longer wear times and greater comfort. And the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in diabetes management is transforming how patients and healthcare providers interpret data and make decisions.
Below is an overview of recent innovations that are poised to enhance diabetes management.
Dexcom G7
The Dexcom G7 builds on the success of the G6 model with a smaller, all-in-one, wearable sensor and transmitter. Notable improvements include a 30-minute warm-up period (a significant reduction from the G6’s two-hour warm-up) and expanded integration with wearable devices such as Apple and Android smartwatches. Easily see where glucose levels are, where they’re headed, and where they’ve been with sensor readings as often as every five minutes.
Bigfoot Unity Diabetes Management System
The Bigfoot Unity System is designed to answer clearly and in real time, “how much insulin would my doctor recommend I take right now?” Using integrated continuous glucose monitoring system (iCGM) data, the system provides a dose recommendation based on physician instructions, which is displayed directly on the smart cap of the patient’s insulin pen. Integrated with Abbott’s FreeStyle® Libre 2 system, the Bigfoot Unity System is the centerpiece of the larger Bigfoot Unity program that takes a holistic approach to simplify and connect key aspects of insulin management for patients and healthcare providers.
Tandem t:slim X2 with Control-IQ Technology
With a color touchscreen and sleek design, the t:slim X2 insulin pump was created to integrate seamlessly into patients’ lives like any other sophisticated, modern device. The advanced algorithms of the device’s Control-IQ technology use sensor values to predict glucose levels 30 minutes ahead of delivery and automatically adjusts insulin, if needed. Offering enhanced protection against hypoglycemia as well, the device can suspend insulin delivery when glucose is predicted to drop below a preset level. Personalized settings allow the user to create up to six profiles with multiple time segments to account for changing insulin needs. Featuring a convenient micro-USB port, the device can be easily charged from anywhere, and it is easy to temporarily disconnect and reconnect the insulin pump from an infusion set, allowing the patient more freedom.
Medtronic Extended Infusion Set
Designed to be worn for up to seven days, the Medtronic Extended Infusion Set significantly reduces the frequency of changes from every two to three days to once a week. The updated technology features new tubing and connectors aimed at creating better insulin stability, insulin absorption, and a reduced risk of occlusion. The Extended Infusion Set is created to be used exclusively with the Extended reservoir and is compatible with the MiniMed™ 780G, 770G, 670G, and 630G insulin pumps.
BlueLoop AI
BlueLoop® is an app-based platform that leverages AI to analyze CGM, insulin, and carbohydrate data to provide personalized insights. This online and mobile solution was created for children with diabetes to provide increased care coordination (especially when the child is away from home) among guardians, caregivers, and healthcare providers. BlueLoop AI can predict glucose trends and offer dosing recommendations, aiming to reduce the burden of decision-making for patients and improving glycemic control over time. For clinicians, the AI-based reports can highlight patterns and optimize treatment adjustments based on personalized trends.
https://blueloop.mycareconnect.com
The diabetes landscape continues to evolve with a focus on improving patient convenience, safety, and outcomes. From more precise CGMs to innovative insulin delivery systems and AI-driven management tools, this unprecedented growth in endocrine healthcare solutions marks an exciting time in diabetes management, pushing closer to an era of more automated and personalized care.
Editor’s Note: Inclusion in this column does not constitute an endorsement by Endocrine News or the Endocrine Society.
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