• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
BlackDoctor.org
Where Wellness & Culture Connect

Where Wellness & Culture Connect

  • Health Conditions
  • Wellness
  • Lifestyle
  • Longevity
  • Resource Centers
    • Cancer Resource Center
    • Covid Resource Center
  • Find A Doctor
  • BDO TV
Home / Health Conditions / Diabetes / How Wearable Technology Offers Freedom for Diabetics

How Wearable Technology Offers Freedom for Diabetics

wearable technology

The complexities of diabetes are being explored by medical device manufacturers and scientists. There have been several types of revolutionary wearable technology recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for people with diabetes. There may be many more new types of technology in the future. 

What is Wearable Technology for Type I Diabetes?

Wearable tech for diabetics includes continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) and insulin pumps, which can help a diabetic manage blood sugar much more easily and efficiently. The technology was originally made for people with type 1 diabetes, but the technology has expanded to be available for those with type II diabetes as well.

The uniqueness of CGM monitoring devices is that, unlike the old glucometers, this new technology allows diabetics to track glucose levels on an ongoing basis. Insulin pumps deliver exact amounts of insulin at each dose. When the two systems are used together, the result is better control of blood sugar than ever before.

Usually every five minutes, a CGM detects blood sugar with an implantable or stick-on (attached to the skin) sensor that detects blood glucose levels in real-time. A sensor can either be implanted in the skin (the physician places a small cannula just under the skin) or attached to the skin with adhesive. Depending on the CGM model you use, you need to replace the sensors every 10 to 90 days. Depending on the CGM model, a transmitter connects to the sensor to transmit blood glucose readings either to your monitoring device or to your smartphone.

You May Also Like
15 Natural Remedies for Aches and Pains

RELATED: How to Prepare for a Diabetic Emergency

Features of Wearable Technology

Some models, such as the Dexcom CGM System were designed for use in children (over age 2) as well as for adults. Other features of some of the wearable tech devices include: 

  • Transmits glucose levels as often as every five minutes 
  • Can set alarms for notification of high and low blood glucose levels
  • High accuracy levels
  • Some units offer integration with insulin pumps to automatically dispense the right amount of insulin (according to blood glucose levels)
  • Readings can be transmitted directly to a smartphone (with some models)
  • No finger pricks are needed (most units come pre-calibrated from the factory)

RELATED: 4 Reasons Why You Should Monitor Your Blood Glucose

What are Automatic Insulin Pumps?

Before advanced medical technology was available, people with type 1 diabetes had to self-inject insulin. Today, there are more convenient options available, including an insulin pump. An insulin pump is a small, portable device worn outside of the body (e.g., attached to a belt, worn around the waist, or attached an armband).

You May Also Like
Bacon and other meats May Increase Your Risk for This Lung Disease

How Do Insulin Pumps Work?

An insulin pump delivers insulin under the skin (into a layer of fat tissue) through a thin tube called a catheter. Pumps work by delivering small amounts of short-acting insulin continuously (called the basal rate) and then a varying amount of insulin in response to

Continue Reading

The Latest In Diabetes

diabetes

A Healthy Future Starts With A Change In The Present

In order to set your future self up for success, there are things that need to be done now for you to get there. Success isn’t easy nor is it linear. When it comes to success, there may be more read more about A Healthy Future Starts With A Change In The Present
prediabetes

Under 45 With Prediabetes? Your Heart Attack Risk Is Rising

If you're a young adult with prediabetes, you may already know you have a greater than average risk of full-blown diabetes. But you could also be at increased risk for a heart attack, new research shows. "After taking into account read more about Under 45 With Prediabetes? Your Heart Attack Risk Is Rising
What Causes Feet To Swell

What Causes Feet To Swell? 7 Main Reasons

Q: What causes feet to swell? - P. H.  A: There are many reasons the feet may swell. It is very important that you figure out the root cause behind your swollen feet. There are some serious health implications as read more about What Causes Feet To Swell? 7 Main Reasons
diabetes and hair loss

Diabetes and Hair Loss: What You Need To Know

Diabetes is a lifelong condition in which the body's blood sugar levels are too high. Worldwide, 371 million people have diabetes, and that figure is expected to grow to 552 million by 2030. There are two types of diabetes - read more about Diabetes and Hair Loss: What You Need To Know
body changes

10 Changes In Your Body Black Women Should Never Ignore

Women around the world struggle to balance work, home, children, errands, and so on. Their list of things to do never ends and in this hectic lifestyle, a large number of them end up ignoring changes in your body that read more about 10 Changes In Your Body Black Women Should Never Ignore
apple cider vinegar

Apple Cider Vinegar: 13 Uses For It That Will Change Your Life

Of all the well-touted natural health remedies that exist today, very few are followed quite as religiously as taking a tablespoon or two of apple cider vinegar every day. Apple cider vinegar has been hailed as a cure-all supplement, from read more about Apple Cider Vinegar: 13 Uses For It That Will Change Your Life

Primary Sidebar

Subscribe to our newsletter

Poll

Popular Posts

  • The McGhee Sextuplets: A Family Built On LoveThe McGhee Sextuplets: A Family Built On Love
  • Top 3 Mistakes Cooking Salmon (You Should Never Make Again)Top 3 Mistakes Cooking Salmon (You Should Never Make Again)
  • Aleisha Allen: From Actress to Speech PathologistAleisha Allen: From Actress to Speech Pathologist
  • Black Don’t Crack: Mother Of 3 Photo Goes ViralBlack Don't Crack: Mother Of 3 Photo Goes Viral
  • Reality Star Hospitalized After Major Car Accident: “Unresponsive, But Stable”Reality Star Hospitalized After Major Car Accident: "Unresponsive, But Stable"

Podcast

Footer

Where Wellness & Culture Connect

BDO is the world’s largest and most comprehensive online health resource specifically targeted to African Americans. BDO understands that the uniqueness of Black culture - our heritage and our traditions - plays a role in our health. BDO gives you access to innovative new approaches to the health information you need in everyday language so you can break through the disparities, gain control and live your life to its fullest.

Connect With Us

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Learn More About

  • Hepatitis C
  • Diabetes
  • Sickle Cell
  • Mental Health
  • About Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Advertise With Us
  • BlackDoctor.org Advertising and Sponsorship Policy
  • Daily Vitamina
  • TBH

Copyright © 2022, BlackDoctor, Inc. All rights reserved.