Diabetes affects about twenty million people in the United States alone. The long-term risks from high blood sugars include damage to the kidneys, eyes, nerves and blood vessels. Diabetics are at risk for losing their sight, kidney failure, paralysis of the stomach, heart attack and stroke.
The nerve damage can cause diabetic neuropathy, which can easily lead to foot wounds and ulcers and ultimately to necessary foot and leg amputations. There is no cure, but there are medical advancements in technology that can make a huge difference. Here are a just a few of them:
Computer Programs – The key to controlling diabetes is controlling blood sugar levels. This requires proper monitoring of the sugars and adjusting insulin levels accordingly. Computer programs are now available to help diabetics analyze the blood glucose data they collect. This data can be shared with physicians to help create better treatment plans.
Subcutaneous Glucose Sensors – This technology allows a patient’s blood sugar levels to be checked regularly. Rather than waiting for mealtimes, or testing because they feel a little “off”, the sensor automatically checks levels throughout the day. This can prevent the diabetic sugar spikes that are known to cause serious problems. Sudden drops in blood sugar can leave diabetics in a glassy-eyed, near catatonic state. The sensor can alert diabetics when their sugar is dropping so they can take the appropriate steps immediately, helping them stay safe.
Insulin Pumps – These pumps are used to deliver regular doses of insulin when needed. A research study recently reported in the Pediatric Diabetes Journal found that children on insulin pump therapy had drastically lowered their A1C levels. The pumps are also found to reduce instances of hypoglycemia in juvenile diabetics. Maintaining lower sugar levels is far better for the body’s organs that having sugar levels spiking throughout the day. Children with diabetes who use these pumps have a far healthier outlook for their adult life than those who do not.
Insulin Pumps With Software – The next generation of insulin pump is the ACCU-CHEK Spirit Insulin pump. This system combines data collected by the pump with ACCU-CHEK Pocket Compass software and a bolus calculator. Patients can now look on their Palm device to see how well their levels are being maintained with pie charts and graphs. The software application can also be used with a patients’ smart phone. “Out of control” diabetics can now receive better data regarding their sugar levels, so they can make smarter decisions.
Instant Communication– This little device can be a true life-saver for any juvenile diabetic, and it can give important peace-of-mind to their care-givers. Telcare offers an electronic device that can allow caregivers and doctors to know exactly what the glucose data in on the diabetic in their life. Wireless technology connects the glucose meter to Telcare’s “cloud” server, allowing data from the patient to be transmitted instantly to parents, spouses, or physicians and nurses. Imagine the comfort that a mother of a juvenile diabetic can take knowing that if there is any problem with her child’s glucose levels, she will be notified immediately. Additionally, this system also offers manual recording, nutrition recording, exercise regimens, medication amounts, weight management and blood pressure statistics.
Positive ID’s iglucose technology is also making advancements in wireless tracking of blood glucose levels. The patient’s existing glucometer is used, in conjunction with AT&T. Information is collected, recorded and transmitted to the iglucose database. From the database, the information can be sent to family members and doctors immediately. Diabetics will never again be alone and unable to call for help if they have problems, the system will do it for them.
Diabetics must monitor their blood sugar levels regularly. Having subcutaneous blood glucose sensors and automatic pumps allow diabetics to enjoy their lives more and worry about their diabetes a little less. Diabetics with sugars that are high are at risk for damaging their organs, but sudden drops in sugar can leave diabetics in a trance-like state, leaving them in danger from accidents. The ability to instantly communicate blood-glucose information to caregivers and loved ones can truly be a life-saver for diabetics of all ages.
About the author: Valerie Marie Fortie is the national coordinator for the Mediterraneanbook.com association. They offer free info to help people prevent Diabetes and released a sample Type 2 diabetes menu to help people eat healthy.