Some people with type 1 diabetes use devices and monitors to help them to manage their condition. These are called diabetes technology.
There are many types of diabetes technology, such as:
- insulin pumps
- continuous glucose monitors (CGM) and flash glucose monitors (FGM)
- smart pens
They can help you check your blood glucose levels and take your insulin.
Talk to your diabetes team about what is available to you.
Insulin pumps
An insulin pump is a small electronic device that you wear 24 hours a day. The pump delivers insulin all the time. It’s another way of getting your insulin, rather than using insulin pens.
Most pumps work with continuous glucose monitors (CGM), and adjust insulin based on the CGM readings. This can give you more flexibility with your insulin doses, and may help you to have more stable blood glucose levels.
You attach the pump to your skin. Insulin flows into your body through a tiny tube under your skin. You add extra insulin at meal times using the pump.
You replace the tube regularly and move the pump to another part of your body. How often you change it depends on the type of tube.
A pump might not suit everyone. Ask your diabetes team if an insulin pump could help you manage your diabetes.
It takes training to get used to using an insulin pump and understanding how to use it to manage your diabetes. This can take time, but you will be supported by your diabetes team.
Insulin pumps in Ireland
In Ireland insulin pumps are available through some diabetes services for people with type 1 diabetes.
Where they are available, they are free of charge.
Your diabetes team make the application for the pump on your behalf. You will have a prescription to get insulin pump supplies from your pharmacy. Those costs are covered on the Long-Term Illness scheme.
Talk to your diabetes team about insulin pumps.
Continuous glucose monitors and flash monitors
You can check your glucose levels at any time with a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) or flash monitor.
It lets you see patterns in your levels and check if your glucose is too high or too low. It can help you manage your blood glucose levels, as you'll have more information and can take action quickly.
It can help you and your diabetes team see:
- how much time your blood glucose is in range, on average
- how your glucose levels change over time
- what happens to your levels when you're asleep
- patterns in your levels and check if your blood glucose is too high or too low
How continuous glucose monitors and flash glucose monitors work
A CGM or flash monitor is made up of:
- a sensor - a small device you attach to your arm or tummy that senses how much glucose is in the fluid under your skin, called interstitial fluid
- a reader or receiver, which shows the results (you can also get the results on a smartphone)
With a CGM, the sensor sends results to the receiver or your phone every few minutes. You can see your glucose levels on your receiver at any time. Some types can send results to an insulin pump, so you can see your glucose levels on your pump.
With a flash monitor, you scan the sensor with the reader or with your phone to see the results.
You generally need to replace a sensor every 7 to 14 days, depending on the type of monitor you have.
Interstitial fluid glucose readings are a few minutes behind your blood glucose levels. This means you'll still need to do finger-prick checks every now and then, particularly before you drive or have a hypo.
Talk to your diabetes team about how to get the best out of your monitor.
Continuous glucose monitors and flash glucose monitors in Ireland
Your diabetes team can apply for a CGM or FGM for you through a reimbursement scheme.
You can then get your CGM on prescription through your pharmacy.
Ask your diabetes team about how a CGM is used in the diabetes service you attend.
Learn more about CGM - thriveabetes.ie
Smart pens
Smart pens are insulin injection pens that connect to smartphone apps.
The app automatically records your insulin doses and the time you take your insulin at.
Talk to your diabetes team about whether a smart pen would help you manage your diabetes.
Find educational videos and resources for diabetes technology - abcd.ie