Technology and Diabetes: Using Apps and Devices for Better Management
April 7, 2025
Diabetes has been a documented disease for hundreds of years. Unfortunately, after all that time, a cure still has not been developed. Instead, patients rely on different medical devices and lifestyle adjustments to manage their symptoms.
Even with all the technology available to help manage diabetes, it is important to know each one works, which helps with deciding which one works for you. “Understanding all you can about diabetes is the key to gaining control and feeling better,” says Marla Troyer, a nurse practitioner at Saint Joseph Health System, who specializes in diabetes management.
From blood glucose monitors to insulin pumps, diabetes management devices have never been easier to use, are less invasive and more accurate. Every patient has a variety of options that allows them to choose the device that works best for them. These are just a few of the devices that a diabetic may be interested in using.
Blood glucose monitor is the primary measure of health
While there are many devices that a diabetic uses, the blood glucose monitor is the primary one. Your provider may measure your blood sugar level during check-ins in a 6 to 12 week period, but this device allows patients to check their levels in between visits.
Typically, a blood sample will be drawn with an included finger prick attachment. Reading the blood sample, the device will provide a quick reading of their blood sugar. This allows patients to have greater control of their diabetes by allowing them to adjust their diet if blood sugar levels are too high.
Continuous glucose monitor tracks levels all the time
Standard blood glucose monitors can only provide a one-time reading until the next blood sample. However, a continuous glucose monitor does as the name implies; gives continuous readings. A sensor is inserted into a subcutaneous fat layer on the arm or stomach. This sensor then communicates with a smartphone or other device.
This continuous data can help physicians develop tailored treatment plans and lifestyle changes for their patients. They can see spikes or dips in blood sugar levels then coordinate with their patient(s) to adjust their diet or lifestyle habits. Some patients with less severe diabetes prefer the simplicity of single-use finger prick sticks, although many patients prefer the usability and continuous data that this type of monitor provides.
Insulin pump partially serves the rule of a pancreas
If someone has Type-1 diabetes then their body is unable to make the required amount of insulin. Usually created by the pancreas, insulin is an essential hormone that helps your body turn food into energy and controls blood sugar levels.
Normally, this means a patient would have to inject themselves with insulin several times a day. However, an insulin pump can automate this task. It's an electronic device inserted into the body, set up to deliver doses of insulin over time. Some can even connect to a continuous glucose monitor to administer insulin based on real-time data.
Ketone monitor measures chemicals produced in the liver
Ketones are acids created when your body uses fat for energy instead of glucose. If a certain level of ketones are measured in your body, it indicates that your body is using fat as a backup energy source. Having high ketones can dangerous for those with Type-1 diabetes.
This is where ketone monitors can help. They track ketone production to help patients gain a better understanding of their diet. There are breathalyzer ketone tests, although urine and blood tests are considered more accurate.
The Saint Joseph Diabetes Education Center offers a full range of personalized services designed to give those with diabetes the knowledge and confidence they need to manage their disease on a day-to-day basis.
"Our team helps patients learn about self-management so they can feel empowered and live an active, healthy lifestyle," says Troyer.
