The modern advancement in diabetes technology has been a recent life savior. Read the article to know more.
Diabetes is a common concern worldwide due to its ill effects on health. The condition has been prevalent over several decades and has affected millions of people. It is a serious condition if left untreated. Various advancements have been developed in diabetes technology to monitor glucose levels and aid in prompt treatment, to enhance the lifestyle of an individual.
What Is Diabetes?
Carbohydrates are the main source of glucose obtained by the body and are a great source of energy. The glucose is distributed to various body parts via the blood, which acts as a mode of transportation. In order to reach the target cell, glucose may need the help of insulin, a hormone.
So over time, when the blood sugar or glucose levels of an individual are extremely high, then the individual is categorized as a diabetic patient. The condition occurs due to the inability of the pancreas to secrete sufficient insulin. In other cases, it could also be due to the negative response or no response of the body towards insulin secretion. Diabetes can occur at any age and may cause a huge impact on the daily lifestyle of an individual. Most forms of diabetes are usually manageable with lifestyle changes and medications.
Who Is at Risk of Diabetes?
The following people may be at a greater risk for diabetes:
Obesity or overweight individuals is highly susceptible to type 2.
A family history of diabetes could be another reason that may risk the life of individuals.
Lack of physical activity and sedentary lifestyle could be associated with increased risk for diabetes.
An unhealthy diet with major consumption of carbohydrates.
High blood pressure.
Age and ethnicity of the individual.
The symptoms of diabetes commonly noticed in patients are mentioned below:
Dry mouth or xerostomia.
Frequent urination.
Blurred vision.
Fatigue or tiredness.
Frequent skin infections.
Poor wound healing.
Increased thirst or polydipsia.
Unexplained weight loss.
Numbness of feet.
What Is a Modern Advancement in Diabetes Technology?
Diabetes is a curable disease if treated properly. There have been various advancements in diabetes technology. One of the modern advancements is the development of continuous glucose monitoring systems. They comprise small sensors which are placed under the skin and help to monitor glucose levels in the interstitial fluid. The sensors transmit the glucose readings to mobile applications in real-time, which helps to closely observe the glucose levels and make informed decisions. Additionally, it provides valuable information about glucose trends and patterns, enabling better management of diabetes and reducing the risk of hypoglycemia/ hyperglycemia.
Besides continuous glucose monitoring systems, another advancement is the integration of insulin pumps. This further led to the development of an artificial pancreas. They regulate insulin delivery based on continuous glucose monitor readings and alter the rate of dose administration. An artificial pancreas mimics the function of a healthy pancreas and delivers insulin according to the patient’s needs. The technology has been shown to improve glycemic control and enhance the quality of life.
In addition to the above, various smart applications have been beneficial in supporting diabetes management. It helps the users track insulin levels and monitors the insulin doses. It also provides customized insights and reminders to empower individuals to self-manage the condition
Diabetes is a treatable condition that could be genetic or congenital. Following a balanced diet and lifestyle modifications can play a key role. In addition, administering medications had been a novel treatment method. The recent advancement in diabetes technology has surpassed other treatment modalities.