Diabetes is a chronic condition that occurs when the body loses its ability to keep blood sugar levels under control. According to Dr Richa Chaturvedi, senior consultant in endocrinology at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, technology is changing significantly diabetes management and improve patient care and clinical practice. Also read | World Diabetes Day 2024: From Maheep Kapoor to Nick Jonas, 7 Celebrity-Endorsed Tips to Manage Diabetes

Digital tools that help doctors and patients

Digital health tools, artificial intelligence (AI) and wearables are leading the way in changing the landscape for both patients and doctors, adds Dr Varsha Kachroo, Associate Consultant – Endocrinology at Yatharth Hospital.

Gerald Jaideep, CEO of Medvarsity Online highlights how the healthcare industry is witnessing a shift from periodic checkups to continuous, data-driven care management.

“Digital tools are not just streamlining routine tasks, they are fundamentally changing how healthcare professionals make clinical decisions and collaborate with patients,” he says, adding, “Our recent survey of over 3,000 diabetologists and endocrinologists found that 90 percent of them are considering expand skills.in these new technologies that are critical to improving patient outcomes, it’s not just about adopting new tools, it’s about reshaping the entire care model The future of diabetes management lies at the intersection of clinical expertise and technological innovation.

He adds that as healthcare professionals use continuous glucose monitoring, AI-powered predictive analytics and telemedicine platforms, we are moving toward a more proactive, personalized approach to patient care.

Proactive approach to managing diabetes

According to Dr. Richa Chaturvedi, continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) and insulin pumps are at the forefront of this change. She says, “CGMs provide real-time glucose readings, allowing patients to track their levels continuously throughout the day. This technology reduces the need for frequent fingerstick tests and helps patients avoid dangerous fluctuations in blood glucose levels. Insulin pumps, which deliver insulin steadily throughout the day, further simplify diabetes management by minimizing the need for multiple daily injections.”

She says integrating these technologies into diabetes care is akin to creating an “artificial pancreas.” Closed systems combine CGM with insulin pumps to automatically adjust insulin delivery based on real-time glucose data: this innovation not only improves glycemic control but also significantly reduces the risk of complications such as diabetic ketoacidosis, a serious condition that can arise from poorly managed diabetes, says Dr Richa Chaturvedi.

In addition, telemedicine and mobile health applications expand access to care and enable better patient education. Dr. Richa Chaturvedi says, “These tools enable remote monitoring and communication between patients and healthcare providers, promoting a proactive approach to managing diabetes. Patients can share their glucose data through apps, facilitating quick adjustments to their treatment plans without having to visit a clinic. . “

As technology continues to advance, it promises to make diabetes management more personalized and efficient. Innovations like smart insulin pens and digital health apps are helping patients calculate doses and track their health metrics more efficiently, adds Dr. Richa Chaturvedi. These advances not only empower patients but also increase the overall quality of care provided by healthcare professionals

Advantages of technology in diabetes management

Dr. Varsha Kachroo says, “Improved patient engagement: Real-time data and personalized feedback promote greater patient engagement and accountability. Improved glycemic control: Technology enables tighter glucose control, helping patients stay within target ranges and reduce complications. Convenient and accessible care: Tools that telemedicine and RPM provide greater accessibility and convenience, which improves continuity of care.”

Technical innovations you should know about

Dr Varsha Kachroo also highlighted the technological innovations in diabetes management:

1. Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGM): CGM enables real-time glucose monitoring, giving patients constant insight into their blood sugar levels without the need for frequent finger pricks. By capturing data trends and glucose fluctuations, CGM enables patients and physicians to make timely adjustments to treatment plans, improve glycemic control and reduce the risk of complications.

2. Smart insulin pens and pumps: Advanced insulin delivery devices, such as smart insulin pens and insulin pumps, enable precise insulin dosing. These devices can track dose history, recommend adjustments, and in some cases sync with the CGM to deliver insulin automatically based on real-time data, mimicking the function of a biological pancreas.

3. Mobile Health Applications: Diabetes management apps offer digital support, guiding patients on nutrition, calorie counting, exercise, medication and glucose monitoring. Many apps have AI-powered algorithms that analyze user data, provide personalized insights, and encourage behavioral changes that can positively impact blood sugar levels.

4. Telemedicine and remote monitoring of patients (RPM): Telemedicine enables virtual consultations, allowing patients to connect with healthcare providers from home, which is particularly beneficial for those with limited access to in-person care. RPM systems facilitate the sharing of glucose data, activity levels and other metrics, enabling proactive intervention based on remote sensing.

5. Artificial Intelligence and Predictive Analytics: AI models analyze patterns in a patient’s data to predict hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia risk, providing an opportunity for preventive intervention. Predictive analytics also help with personalized treatment plans by identifying which interventions provide the best results based on the patient’s history.

Challenges and considerations

⦿ Cost and availability: Not all patients may have access to advanced technology due to cost and availability.

⦿ Data security: Managing patient data securely remains critical as more data is digitized and shared across platforms.

⦿ Technical knowledge: Some patients may struggle with the complexity of devices or apps, requiring patient education and support.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor if you have questions about a medical condition.