Abstract

UPDATES ON TECHNOLOGY FOR DIABETES MELLITUS: A REVIEW

Sagar A. Daitkar*, Neha S. Ahire, Jaya S. Gharate, Akshay K. Jadhav, Ankita S. Jadhav, Pratik D. Ahire and Nikita D. Bachhav

ABSTRACT

Purpose of the review: to update the medical community on the new and old technologies use for the control and management of diabetes mellitus. Recent findings: Diabetes technology is defined as the different technology including hardware, devices, and software that are used by diabetic patients in order to help to manage blood glucose levels. This technology can be used in patients with any type of diabetes mellitus and, when applied appropriately, it can have a significant impact on these patients' health. They can be divided into different insulin delivery methods, blood glucose monitoring, hybrid and implantable devices. Insulin delivery can be further subdivided into insulin pens, insulin syringes or insulin delivery via a pump. New technology includes a bionic or “artificial” pancreas that has been introduced. This is an external device or system of devices that mimic the glucose regulating the function of a healthy pancreas. The explosive increase in the prevalence of diabetes mellitus in resource‑strapped regions of the world demands innovative solutions in healthcare. Advances in information technology, diagnostics and food technology have the potential to make diagnosis and treatment of diabetes simpler, cost‑effective and patient‑friendly. Newer methods of glucose testing such as the ambulatory glucose profile promise to make clinical decision‑making easier and more robust. More advanced modes of insulin delivery are likely to help larger proportions of patients achieve their glycemic goals with minimal risk of hypoglycemia. Use of telemedicine and electronic medical records represents a significant advance in improving delivery of diabetes care and monitoring its outcomes. Efforts are also on to harness the wide penetrance of mobile phones in spreading awareness about diabetes and its prevention as well as in screening for retinopathy. Advances in technology also promise to favorably alter the food habits of the population, with the advent of the novel high‑fiber white rice being a case in point. This narrative review aims to discuss some of the ways in which emerging technologies are making diabetes monitoring and treatment easier, more effective and pleasant for the patient.

Keywords: Ambulatory glucose profile, diabetes, electronic medical record, food technology, mobile health, smartphone funds photography, technology, telemedicine.