Depending on the type of diabetes you have, you might already be using technology to help you monitor and manage your diabetes. Below are examples of diabetes technologies we offer in NHS Fife.
There are three broad themes to diabetes technology:
1. Technology for taking insulin:
Insulin Pumps - an insulin pump is a small electronic device that releases regular insulin into your body throughout the day and night — so you don’t need to do insulin injections. The pump can give you precise insulin doses and varies the background insulin depending on your natural hormonal pattern. It is also particularly useful with any activities you may enjoy.
Closed-loop Systems
The next generation of insulin pumps ‘talk’ to a continuous glucose monitor. This is called a hydrid closed loop system. It is sometimes known as an artificial pancreas. It can automate aspects of your diabetes management although you are still required to enter data into the pump every time you have something to eat. This system is particularly useful in stabilising your blood glucose levels overnight.
Closed loop systems | Diabetes UK
2. Technology for checking your blood glucose levels:
Blood glucose monitors – Depending on how you treat your diabetes, you might need to use a monitor and test strips to check your own blood glucose levels. In NHS Fife, we have 2 different types of meters that can be downloaded at clinics or on your home computer. These downloads offer you more opportunities to assess and improve the management of your diabetes.
· Test strips and monitors | Diabetes UK
• Flash Glucose Monitors (Freestyle Libre 2), DexCom 1 and Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGM) – Depending on your type of diabetes and treatment, you may be offered these monitors. They are wearable devices that provide you with 24 hours of data and can be set with alarms to alert you if your blood glucose levels are rising too high or falling to low. This information can also be shared with your partner and hospital.
· Flash glucose monitors (Freestyle Libre) and continuous glucose monitors (CGM) | Diabetes UK
3. Technology to help you manage your diabetes:
• Ketone Monitors – are recommended for everyone with type 1 diabetes. The ketone monitors measure the amount of ketones in the blood.
• Ketones are poisonous chemicals that can develop if there isn’t enough insulin in the body to allow enough glucose to enter the cells. High ketone levels in the blood can lead to a serious condition called diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) | Diabetes UK
Diabetes apps
· There are lots of apps and smart technology that can help you manage your diabetes with some that can focus on weight, exercising and carbohydrate counting.
HealthZone UK App (for adult type 1 diabetes)
The NHS Fife Diabetes team have developed a service within the free mobile app, HealthZone UK, which provides information about diabetes, handy links, local information and much more.
DigiBete Children’s App
The DigiBete app provides a wide range of clinically approved age appropriate resources to help with the self-management of children with Type 1 Diabetes. All resources are approved in partnership with Leeds Children’s Hospital Diabetes Team.
For more information about the apps and how to download, visit the type 1 diabetes for the HealthZone UK adult app or paediatric and young people tab for the DigiBete children’s app.
mylife App
The mylife App is a food insulin dosing (bolus) calculator and is available to download from the App/Play Store free of charge. The mylife App lets you manage your diabetes discreetly at any time and any place. It also allows you to review your own data and make any necessary changes.
This mylife app link takes you to more information about the App.
This is a platform where you can view all your diabetes related blood results and other health checks we perform at the clinic either online or on the app. It is also a useful resource for education and information. You can either access this by registering for free with My Diabetes My Way or ask your healthcare professional to help set you up.
