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Clinical Diabetes 26:66-71, 2008
DOI: 10.2337/diaclin.26.2.66
© 2008 by the American Diabetes Association
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Practical Pointer

Clinicians' Guide to Diabetes Gadgets and Gizmos

Anne W. Brown, MSN, BC-ADM, BC-ANP

The first 300 words of the full text of this article appear below.


   Introduction
 
When I began working in diabetes, the first blood glucose meter had just been released. It required a large drop of blood, timing with a watch, and rinsing with a solution for a prescribed number of seconds, before drying with a specific type of cloth. If memory serves, it took 3-4 minutes to get a result. Despite what seems unbelievably burdensome now, this was an exciting innovation for people with diabetes and began the race toward the rapid results we expect today.


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  		Figure 1. Innolet

 


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  		Figure 2. SoloStar

 


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  		Figure 3. Lilly KwikPen

 
Today, we have sensors that provide readouts of interstitial glucose levels 24/7, and, hopefully, technology is on the cusp of an integrated pump/sensor that would automate the process of delivering insulin. Until that day arrives, we must be content with the various gadgets and gizmos that make the burden of caring for diabetes a little easier.

My colleagues and patients have been gracious in allowing me to pick their brains to assemble the material for this article. I am certain there are other handy items that are not included. The gadgets I've chosen to include are organized into categories below. The patient information page that accompanies this article (p. 73) provides manufacturer websites for additional information.


   Medication Delivery Systems
 
Pen devices and needles
Although syringes and vials still work, many people prefer using pen injection devices to deliver insulin or other injected medications. Pens are convenient and portable. They do not require refrigeration for specified amounts of time, and they making dosing easy.

Pens are safer than syringes for people with visual limitations or motor/sensory problems with their hands. With pen devices, the actual dose can be counted off with the clicks as the dose is dialed. In Europe, pens are the standard; in the United States, insurers may not cover their cost unless a patient's visual or . . . [Full Text of this Article]

Insulin syringes and accessories
Insulin pumps

   Monitors, Meters, and Related Items
 
Blood glucose meters
Glucose sensors
Lancing devices

   Other Helpful Gadgets and Gizmos
 
Safety devices
Pill carrying cases
Wearable medical identification tags
Carbohydrate counting and meal planning aids
Other helpful products
Learn More

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Related Article:

Diabetes Gadgets and Gizmos
Clin. Diabetes 2008 26: 73. [Extract] [Full Text] [PDF]





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Copyright © 2008 by the American Diabetes Association.