Diabetes Technology: Insulin Pumps, CGMs, and Tools That Actually Work
When you hear diabetes technology, digital tools and devices designed to help people with diabetes track and manage blood sugar levels. Also known as diabetes digital health tools, it includes everything from insulin pumps to continuous glucose monitors that replace fingersticks and reduce guesswork. This isn’t science fiction—it’s what millions use daily to avoid highs, lows, and hospital visits.
One of the most common tools is the insulin pump, a small device that delivers fast-acting insulin continuously through a tiny tube under the skin. It’s not just for type 1 diabetes—many with type 2 who need insulin use it too. Pumps let you set basal rates, calculate boluses based on carbs, and adjust for activity. But they’re not magic: you still need to count carbs, check your numbers, and change the site every few days. The continuous glucose monitor, a wearable sensor that checks interstitial fluid every 5 minutes and sends real-time readings to your phone. CGMs like Dexcom and Freestyle Libre show trends, not just snapshots. They alert you if your sugar is dropping fast, even while you sleep. That’s a game-changer for parents, older adults, and anyone who’s ever woken up terrified after a nighttime low.
These tools don’t work in isolation. They connect to apps, share data with doctors, and sometimes even talk to your pump automatically. But they’re not perfect. Sensors can drift, alarms can annoy, and insurance coverage still varies. You’ll find posts here that break down pump settings, explain how to avoid dangerous highs from faulty sensors, and show how to use CGM data to cut down on A1C without crashing your sugar. You’ll also see what happens when these tools meet real life—like when a senior with diabetes is on multiple meds, or when someone restarts insulin after a break. This isn’t about fancy gadgets. It’s about tools that help you live better, safer, and with fewer surprises.
What follows is a collection of real, practical posts written by people who’ve been there—whether it’s setting up your first pump, understanding why your CGM says your sugar is low when your fingerstick says it’s fine, or choosing between different devices when your insurance won’t cover the latest model. No fluff. Just what you need to know to make smarter choices with your diabetes technology.