Technology is incredible, and day by day, advancement by advancement, it’s changing everything.
In the era of digital innovation, not only does technology impact our daily lives, but it also transforms our health! Diabetes management is no different. Thanks to cool tools and gadgets, patients now have the ability to better monitor and control their condition. For Black patients with diabetes, who are more likely to be diagnosed and suffer severe complications, these technologies can mean everything.
From smartphone apps to cutting-edge devices, here are five ways Black diabetics can supercharge their health and well-being.
1. Blood Sugar Tracking Apps
Obviously, your blood sugar is one of the most important factors in managing diabetes. But it’s not always so easy. Thankfully, it just got a lot easier. Blood sugar tracking apps are revolutionizing the way you monitor your glucose levels. You can log blood sugar readings, track changes over time, and even set your own targets as you go.
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It goes further than that! Many of these apps also provide medication reminders, meal logging, and full integration capabilities with other devices. For instance, you can wear what’s called continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices. Thanks to blood sugar tracking apps, you get the valuable insights you need every moment to stay healthy and going strong.
RELATED: Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs): Which One is Best for You?
2. Implantable Glucose Monitors
Sounds a little unsettling?
Well, don’t worry, when we say “implantable,” we’re not talking about some deep, devastating surgery. Rather, we’re referring to tiny little devices that go right under your skin. This small but groundbreaking tech provides continuous, real-time glucose monitoring - pretty cool, right? In other words, no more finger-pricking!
You’ll also get instant feedback on your blood sugar status. Feeling low on energy or over the top? Your implantable device will tell you why, with real-time data to back it up. It’s also a great way to manage your diabetes privately, without the struggle of more traditional methods. All around, a win-win!
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3. Artificial Pancreas
Also known as a closed-loop insulin delivery system, this piece of technology is like a two-in-one. It combines continuous glucose monitoring with automated insulin delivery. Not to get too technical, but essentially the artificial pancreas uses advanced algorithms to change your insulin doses as your glucose levels change. For Black patients with diabetes, this technology can make diabetes management so much simpler. It can also prevent you from going into hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia.
Automating insulin delivery has never been so easy!
4. Smart Insulin Pens
Seems like everything is ‘smart’ these days, doesn’t it? From our TVs to our appliances, smart technology is seemingly taking over. Well, managing your health is no different. So-called smart insulin pens are pen-like devices that have Bluetooth, allowing you to chart your doses and dose history through an app. With these devices, you can learn all about your insulin usage, everything from dose amount to timing of dose and injection site.
If you need to inject multiple times per day, the smart insulin pen is extremely handy. Given that you’re recording your daily doses electronically, it’s easy to stay on top of your diabetes. It also makes communicating with your doctor that much more streamlined. A cool technology for sure!
RELATED: How Wearable Technology Offers Freedom for Diabetics
5. Meal Log Apps
You are what you eat, they say, and with diabetes, that’s certainly true!
This is why meal log apps can be such a game-changer. These handy mobile applications are designed to help you track every morsel you eat, giving you crazy in-depth information on the nutritional content, the calories, the amount, and more. Thanks to built-in databases, many meal log apps have all kinds of food items listed. You can easily customize your meal plans and analyze the specific quality of each meal.
Need to count your carbs? No problem. Want to plan out some healthy alternatives around the holidays? Easy. Simply interested in learning more about what’s in certain foods? Say no more.
By logging your meals and monitoring your macronutrient intake, it’s easy to make the right choices. Optimal glucose control is not nearly as difficult as it used to be!
As you can see, technology is revolutionizing the game. Every day, we have unique opportunities to enhance our health by advancing our digital integration. And the beauty is, it’s all up to you! Whether you just want to chart some meals, or you’re having an implantable device synced up with smart apps, your health is truly in your hands.
Worried about costs? Talk to your doctor and insurance, and check out patient assistance programs, flexible spending accounts (FSAs), or health savings accounts (HSAs). Before you know it, your diabetes management can entirely change.
