Over 30% of individuals over the age of 65 years old have diabetes mellitus [1]. These patients are at increased risk for strokes and heart attacks. Health care professionals use digital devices to help monitor trends in your health data. For diabetics, maintaining control of your weight and blood glucose levels is very important for staying healthy. Current technology exists that can help anyone take control of diabetes. Devices include blood pressure cuffs, pedometers and continuous glucose monitors.
Blood pressure cuffs:
Maintaining healthy blood pressure is very important for diabetics. Digital blood pressure monitors can connect to your medical chart and be reviewed by your doctor. Your doctor will watch for alarming trends such as blood pressure that is regularly too high or too low. Through remote patient monitoring, or analysis of your daily data at home, your doctor can intervene quickly to change your treatment course and keep your health on track.
Fitness trackers:
Engaging in regular physical activity reduces the burden of diabetes, and increases overall health and and decreases. Maintaining a healthy weight and healthy activity level is an important part of blood sugar control. Most doctors recommend a goal of 10,000 steps per day. Once you start monitoring your activity, you may be surprised by how few steps you take in a day.
Digital scales:
Digital scales link to your electronic medical record to help monitor your weight. Your doctor will watch for trends in your weight changes to help you optimize your health status. In addition to scales, food tracking apps have proven beneficial for diabetics who are maintaining their weight and blood glucose control.
Continuous glucose monitors:
Continuous glucose monitors help control blood sugar levels without suffering the repeated finger jabs. Data shows patients who are remotely monitored with continuous glucose monitors(CGM) have statistically significant hemoglobin A1C reductions in type 2 diabetes adults [2]. These are patches that individuals wear and they connect remotely with a device or cell phone that gives up to date blood sugar readings.
- Prevention, C.f.D.C.a., Estimates of diabetes and its burden in the United States. National Diabetes Statistics Report, 2020.
- Bergenstal, R.M., et al., Remote Application and Use of Real-Time Continuous Glucose Monitoring by Adults with Type 2 Diabetes in a Virtual Diabetes Clinic. Diabetes Technol Ther, 2021. 23(2): p. 128-132.
