2013 Consumer Guide
New Trends in Diabetes Technology
New device features include colorful touch screens, smartphone integration, and easy information sharing
Sneak Peeks at Upcoming Diabetes Devices
Not yet for sale: new devices, medications, and products under development
Diabetes Apps
Smartphone apps that simplify diabetes management tasks
The Innovators
Meet some movers and shakers who’ve created new tools for people with diabetes
Continuous Glucose Monitors and Insulin Pumps
New & Notable
The following products are making their Consumer Guide debut.
» Turn your phone into a meter
Sanofi-Aventis’s iBGStar is the size of a USB drive but acts like a fully functioning meter when attached to an iPhone or iPod Touch (but not the iPhone 5, without an adapter). Used solo, it’ll provide a simple reading. But plug it in and you can take notes in an app on your phone or automatically chart data and analyze trends.
» Send BGs to MiniMed devices
If you use a MiniMed insulin pump or pump-CGM, you can forget about manually entering blood glucose data. The Contour Next Link meter wirelessly relays readings to the pump, potentially reducing errors and saving you an added step.
» Set CGM alarm tones
Continuous glucose monitors are useful for alerting users when their glucose is dipping or rising, and with Dexcom’s G4 Platinum, users can set various sounds for different alarms for a more ear-pleasing experience.
» Show off a color screen
The folks at Tandem heard the cry for a diabetes device that looks as sleek as smartphones and music players: They developed the T:slim pump. The touch-screen design is slim and sleek, the battery rechargeable, and basal-rate increments the teensiest around, at 0.001 units.
» Corral insulin pump tubing
Tangled tubing is a serious source of frustration, which is why Tubeguard aims to simplify the pumping experience. Roll your infusion set tubing around the lightweight hub, which clips to your waistband, to reduce chaos—and increase protection against kinks in the tubing or tugs at the infusion set.
» Use, then toss, your pump
Understanding that people with type 2 diabetes may not require as intensive insulin therapy as those with type 1, Valeritas created the disposable V-Go. The patch pump has a set basal range and a button for boluses.
» Safely attach and discard pen needles
Attaching a needle to your insulin pen just got easier: Unifine Pentips Plus come in a large container that can stand on a flat surface and allows for an easier grip. The container includes a locking chamber for used needles to hold sharps until you safely can dispose of them.
» Pour some sugar powder
Yes, these glucose packets remind us of Pixie Stix. Quick Sticks travel well and are easy to open and eat—even if you’re in the throes of hypoglycemia. Some users report needing a drink to wash down the dry powder.
» Enjoy dessert-inspired flavors
Glucose product manufacturers tend to concentrate on fruity flavors. Level Life gels come in squeezable packs and are available in caramel and vanilla.
» Monitor BGs remotely
Parents of kids with diabetes can rest easier with mySentry (not pictured in this guide), which relays data from a MiniMed Paradigm Real-Time Revel CGM to a hub that’s up to 50 feet away. That means you can see a child’s blood glucose level and trends, and watch and listen for low, high, and battery alarms without leaving your bed. Learn more: medtronicdiabetes.com/products/mysentry
—Tracey Neithercott
Comments
Comments are subject to review and will not be posted immediately. If you have an urgent medical question, please consult a health care professional. If you have a question for the staff of Diabetes Forecast, please send it to replyall@diabetes.org.WHAT IS NEW!!
I have being using the contour bleed glucose monitoring system with test strips andlancets. I don't like it. Is their someother monitor that I can use? What is the latest on the market I need a new one.Thank You, Maria Lydia Vasquez I will be 71 next month and I need help also in prepareing food.
Testing system
Personally, I love the FreeStyle Flash -- yes it is an older model, but it has worked beautifully for over 9 years ---
and it is really being fazed out - - - test strips are a bit pricey but reliable
Kit measures 3.5" x 5" -- and holds meter, lancet device, and canister of strips --
tucks into purse so easily - - - truly portable.
LOVE IT !
PS I am 70.
Testing system - Freestyle Flash
We love Freestyle Flash too. I wish they would make them again! My son is a Type 1 and I am a type 2. The Flash is small, lightweight and accurate PLUS it uses the same strips as my son's Omnipod so we only have to maintain one stockpile of testing supplies.
I've tried other meters and never found another that I like so much.
DIABETES-MONITORING-COPING
MOST OFTEN DIABETIC PATIENTS HAVE VISION IMPAIRMENT.SIMPLE BOLD PRINT INSTRUCTIONS WILL BE AN ASSEST. MONITORING BLOOD SUGAR WITH NON-COMPLEX MONITORING SYSTEM;WILL BE A HUGE WAY OF COPING WITH THE DISEASE.
Diabetic II
Is replacing the Insullin producing part in the human body is a posibility? What that solve the Diabetic problem?
Thanks,
Sam
Transplants (both of the
Transplants (both of the pancreas and of insulin-producing cells) have had limited success. For a rundown on the most promising approaches to a cure that scientists are working on, you can read "Pushing for a Diabetes Cure" on this site. You can search for it by name in the box at upper right.
Exercise and Insulin
How does exercise make the body produce more insulin? With blood sugar over 500 is it really possible to eliminate insulin injections with diet and exercise? We are just learning how to cope and the information that is out there is confusing. Thanks, Barbara - Daniel is my life partner who was diagnosed 2 weeks ago.
Exercise vs. blood glucose management
Exercise does not increase production of insulin, but it does improve your body's ability to utilize it and reduce the blood glucose (BG) levels circulating throughout your body. However, keep in mind that there are several causes of high blood glucose that only a doctor can determine and treat. With BG levels in the 500 mg/dl range, it is highly unlikely that insulin injections could ever be eliminated, depending on whether you maintain a healthy body weight and Body Mass Index (BMI), proper diabetic diet, and overall healthy lifestyle.
All these issues should be discussed in detail with a physician and a Certified Diabetes Educator. Many hospitals and clinics offer FREE Diabetic Education Classes - just start asking anywhere you can. It's the best thing a diabetic can to to improve their quality and quantity of life. I cannot stress this enough.
Best of luck,
Fellow Insulin Dependent Diabetic & Registered Nurse
Exercise and glycogen production
You are not exactly correct here. When we begin to exercise our body senses the increased exertion levels and its natural response is with glycogen to accomodate for the its losses. There is a fine line between management with the body's production of sugars and the subsequent losses due to exercise. Close monitoring during your workout routine has proved very necessary for my needs.
Keep a close eye on your sugar levels during all exercise routines.
Insulin dependent regular exerciser
2013 Consumer Guide
I would like to receive the actual magazine if possible. If there is a fee I will be willing to purchase it.
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