Ask Dana: Are the best diabetes management results only with new technology?
QUESTION:
Dear Dana,
Over the years it seems that there are more and more “gadgets” out there to help manage my diabetes. I am not someone who likes technology and it makes me really uncomfortable to try new things related to my health. Do you think you can only achieve good results with all of this technology now available?
– Claire Bonham
Indianapolis, IN
ANSWER:
Dear Claire,
In many ways, diabetes management has now also become technology management when using continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) and automated insulin delivery (AID) systems. If you’re not comfortable using technology, that stress can often prevent any benefit from these devices.
So, the simple answer is no, you don’t have to rely on technology to manage your diabetes effectively.
For years people have successfully managed their condition using traditional methods for years—things like using the glycemic index and carb counting for meals, timing insulin doses appropriately, and managing your blood glucose with exercise strategies. Even with technology, these approaches are still important ways to optimize your glucose levels.
That said, the advancements in diabetes technology are designed to make life a little easier and help support small adjustments in your insulin during the day and night. For those who feel comfortable with it, CGMs provide alarms and predictions on where your glucose levels are going and if there is reason to take additional action. Additionally, AID systems can help make low blood sugars at night a thing of the past as insulin will be decreased or suspended if needed. Ultimately, these devices can serve as a “partner” in diabetes management if they are optimized with settings and the user is comfortable with knowing how the “partner” is supporting them.
This is where IDS comes in.
Diabetes management is highly individualized and that includes the approach to the diabetes technology currently available. We specialize in helping people find the diabetes technology and management strategies that work best for them. Whether you’re curious about trying out the latest technology but don’t know where to start, or you prefer to stick with more traditional methods, we can make that journey less stressful and nerve-wracking. If technology feels intimidating, we can offer step-by-step support or help you optimize your traditional methods of managing your diabetes!
If you need more individualized guidance, connect with our team here at IDS!
Have a diabetes-related question? Submit your question to Dana and it could be featured in the IDS Diabetes Bites monthly newsletter!!
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