Making smart devices help diabetics monitor and manage their blood glucose levels has become a top priority for product developers – and for a good reason. With over 130 million adults living with diabetes or prediabetes in the US alone, markets have experienced a boom in wearable and non-wearable smart devices designed to improve their quality of life.
Studies into the impact of diabetes on patients highlight the importance of access to technology, with the American Diabetes Association stressing that this is one of the main barriers to care. This doesn’t simply mean access to blood-oxygen saturation monitors (although they are a heavy contributor), but also to other state-of-the-art devices, such as smartwatches and insulin pumps. These help people with diabetes prevent abnormal blood sugar levels from catching them off-guard and can be an essential tool for reducing anxiety and improving quality of life.
With so many products on the market, the task of choosing the best for one’s individual needs can be daunting. In this article, we will look at several smart devices that may help make the process easier.
Smartwatches
The Dexcom G6 continuous glucose monitor (CGM) system allows users to measure their glucose levels continuously and transmits this data in real-time into their Garmin watch. The device also provides a three-hour history, offering insight into how glucose levels varied throughout the day. The Dexcom’s 10-day wear sensors are discreet, water resistant, and easy to apply, making fingerstick devices obsolete.
Currently in development by PK Vitality is a new medical device called the K’Watch, which will continuously track glucose levels with a simple glance at your wrist.
The K’Watch uses micro points and biosensors in a CGM called K’apsul, which sits directly below the watch face. The K’apsul patch is designed to be removed and replaced after a few days of wear. The K’watch will alert users when levels are out of range and can also warn family and friends if necessary.
Insulin Pump Devices
Medtronic’s Minimed 770G Automated Insulin Delivery system is a great option for people with diabetes who require daily insulin. It is the first automated insulin delivery (AID) system approved for children between two and six years old in the US and it can be connected to a smartphone to view glucose data in real-time. This is especially reassuring for parents, who can monitor their children anytime during the day or night.
Moreover, Medtronic users can upgrade the device’s software algorithms for free as they’re released, keeping it up-to-date. An additional feature of the Minimed 770G system is that it provides in-app alerts when blood glucose levels are out of range, giving users peace of mind without continuously monitoring the app.
Medtronic also provides a reusable insulin pen, InPen, which can be used to deliver insulin, help calculate doses, and to estimate carbohydrates in meals. It offers the convenience of a typical insulin pen but with the data and support that come with smart delivery systems. The battery for the InPen lasts a full year without the need to charge and is compatible with NovoLog®, Humalog®, and Fiasp® cartridges.
The companion InPen app connects using Bluetooth® to track active insulin, set reminders, calculate doses, and create shareable reports.
How Ambiq Contributes
For over a decade, Ambiq has been laser-focused on inventing and delivering the most revolutionary system-on-chip (SoC) solutions in the market. Ultra-low power SoCs from Ambiq® extends the processing capability and battery life in wireless devices and advanced wearables, enabling a more robust experience.
Through the advanced Subthreshold Power Optimized Technology (SPOT®) platform, Ambiq has helped many leading manufacturers worldwide create products that can operate for days, months, and sometimes years on a lithium battery or a single charge. Visit https://ambiq.com/wearables for more information.
