The author shares their experience of being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, prescribed medication, and later discovering they actually had a form of Type 1 diabetes known as LADA. They began documenting their journey on social media platforms like TikTok, leading to the creation of their channel, Diabetech. They use their platform to educate others about managing diabetes and the technology available for better management. The author highlights the importance of awareness about different types of diabetes and the need for proper diagnosis.
One of the devices the author uses is a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), which measures blood glucose levels every five minutes and sends the information to their smartphone. CGMs have made living with diabetes more manageable by providing alerts for high or low blood sugar levels. They also help the author understand how food and insulin doses affect their glucose levels, allowing them to make adjustments accordingly. The combination of CGM readings and an insulin pump can automate insulin delivery, making diabetes management easier.
Insulin pumps deliver insulin throughout the day to help maintain target glucose levels for people with diabetes. The author uses a tubeless insulin pump called Omnipod, which is adhered to the body every three days and stores and injects insulin. The mobility of this device is beneficial for active individuals like the author. Insulin pumps, when paired with CGMs, can automate insulin delivery based on glucose readings, but users still need to input meal information and prebolus insulin before meals to manage glucose levels effectively.
The author hopes for advancements in diabetes technology, such as a true “artificial pancreas” that can maintain blood glucose levels without much user interaction. Manufacturers are working towards this goal with meal detection technology, and the open-source community #WeAreNotWaiting is experimenting with algorithms for better management. By understanding the basics of diabetes technology, individuals can support themselves and their loved ones in managing the condition more effectively and improving their quality of life.
The author emphasizes the importance of knowing about diabetes management technologies to support oneself and loved ones. They share their journey of diagnosis and learning to manage their condition through the use of devices like CGMs and insulin pumps. By raising awareness about different types of diabetes and the available technology for management, the author hopes to empower others in their journey with diabetes. Through their platform, Diabetech, they continue to educate and advocate for better diabetes care and management.
