Living with Type 1 Diabetes isn't cheap—in fact, the cost of insulin continues to increase. However, investing in diabetes technology is investing in yourself! Especially when it comes to your safety and well-being. So, what technology am I talking about? Let's talk insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors!
When I was abruptly diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes four years ago, I didn't have a clue about diabetes tech. In fact, the only other diabetic I knew was my 70-year-old uncle with Type 2. My uncle managed his diabetes with multiple daily injections (MDI) using insulin vials and syringes. Before being diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D), I couldn't have imagined needing to inject myself 4-12 times a day and checking my insulin through finger pricks via a blood glucose meter! However, while in the hospital upon my initial diagnosis, it became a fast reality. Luckily, I had a fantastic care team and an amazing Diabetes Educator who advocated for me to get the latest in diabetes tech.
My educator introduced me to both insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors (CGM).
Insulin Pumps
Now, if you aren't familiar with T1D care, you might be thinking, "what are insulin pumps?" So, here's the gist! Insulin pumps are small electronic devices that resemble 90s pagers, but instead of beeping to deliver a message, they administer doses of insulin into the body through a small cannula inserted into a T1D's interstitial tissue. With that said, they definitely still beep, only this time, the alerts are to inform the person with diabetes about trends with their blood sugar (BS). The pump itself has a user interface that allows the person with diabetes to administer insulin, view pump settings, and more!
Insulin pumps are revolutionary! Through the pump itself, which is comprised of a mini-computer that regulates all the pump settings, a cartridge that holds the insulin, and tubing that connects the pump's cartridge to the body through a small needle (cannula). The cannula is inserted into a fatty area's interstitial tissue. For me, I usually place my pump site on my lower stomach. However, other popular sites include the outer thigh, upper buttocks, chest, and backside of the arms.
Insulin pumps have two primary settings: basal insulin and bolus insulin. The actual insulin that is stored in the pump is fast-acting insulin, such as Humalog or Novolog, though they are delivered a bit differently:
Basal insulin is slowly administered throughout the day to regulate blood sugar. My pump's basal settings are set to administer about one unit of insulin each hour. this setting typically doesn't change; however, timed settings are possible, meaning basal insulin between 12-8 a.m. is 1.1 unit per hour instead of the one unit other hours.
Next, bolus insulin is what is administered prior to a meal or exercise. The dose varies for how many carbohydrates you plan to eat, what your current BS is, and how much insulin you currently have on board.
Today's insulin pumps work almost like artificial pancreases. They can pair via Bluetooth with other devices including CGMs (more on these momentarily) to monitor the BS and either automatically administer insulin or pause it based on if your BS is trending up or down.
The three primary insulin pump manufacturers are Tandem, Medtronic, and Insulet.
The Tandem insulin pump is called the T-Slim X2. Fair warning, this is the pump that I own and LOVE. The T-Slim connects with my CGM, and it is amazing!
The Medtronic insulin pump is called MiniMed, and there are a few different models. Medtronic also has its own brand of CGM, called Guardian sensors.
The Insulet insulin pump is called Omnipod as is different than the previous pumps: it's tubeless! As of March 29, 2021, Omnipod does not connect with a CGM, but the company is working on integration with Dexcom.
Photo below of Tandem T-Slim X2 insulin pump and Dexcom G6 CGM.
Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGM)
Continuous glucose monitors (CGM) are sensors that are inserted just under the skin and monitor a person's BS in real time. They are medical devices that are made up of a transmitter, sensor, and either a small electronic device OR a compatible smart device (like a cell phone).
There are three primary manufacturers: Dexcom, Abbott FreeStyle, and Medtronic.
The Dexcom CGM is called the G6. The G6 has a 10-day wear time before needing the replace the sensor, and it integrates with the Tandem T-Slim insulin pump.
The FreeStyle CGM is called Libre. The Libre has a 14-day wear time. It doesn't currently integrate with an insulin pump, and it doesn't offer any alarms to alert you of how the BS is trending. Instead, it is scanned with a smart device in real time.
Lastly, the Medtronic Guardian CGM works exclusively with the company's insulin pump as a fully closed-loop system.
CGMs replace the need to prick your finger and use a meter to detect your blood sugar. In addition, the Dexcom also keeps a trend map, similar to a line graph, that alerts you on how your BS is trending! I no longer need to think or wonder what my BS is—I can just open my iPhone or look on my insulin pump's screen and see it!
Photo below of Medtronic insulin pump and Guardian CGM.
Diabetes technology has changed my life! It allows me to live as normally as I possibly can. I have my freedom back—and I have peace of mind.
Your turn! How do you manage your Type 1 Diabetes? Share your "accessories" pics down below or tag me on social media!
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