What is smart insulin?

Smart technology shapes everything we do these days, including having a hand in healthcare and medical therapies. It has recently become more widely used in treating diabetes through wearable devices and newer and more improved forms of insulin

At Texas Diabetes & Endocrinology (TD&E), our team of board-certified endocrinologists treat all forms of diabetes and we are always engaged in research to study more innovative and cutting-edge technologies that may help our patients.

People living with diabetes need to constantly monitor and regulate their blood sugar levels and insulin. As they need to supplement the insulin that their body lacks, any time we can discover a better, more efficient way for patients to receive insulin, the better quality of life they can lead. 

Research shows that smart insulin technology has the potential to do that.

What is smart insulin?

Smart insulin is administered via a reusable injection pen that is connected to a smartphone app to more accurately and efficiently support insulin management. The smart software system can decipher glucose readings and automatically calculate and recommend dosages for the user while also generating reminders and alerts to keep them on track and their blood sugar levels within normal ranges. 

Other developments in advancing insulin efficiency include ‘glucose-responsive insulins’ where the insulin is delivered in injections or capsule form. This long-lasting insulin is stored in the body until it ‘senses’ an insulin boost is needed, and then it is activated. 

What is the benefit of smart insulin technology?

These new smart insulin technologies in development are specifically designed to help those with insulin dependent diabetes.

“Our goal in researching new and better diabetes treatments is to ease the burden of constant testing, managing and administering insulin,” said diabetes specialist and board-certified endocrinologist Dr. Jean Chen.

“We believe smart insulin technology can offer a better quality of life for patients with insulin dependent diabetes by providing an insulin support system that is seamless and very closely mirrors how the body is meant to naturally process and balance glucose.” 

When will smart insulin products be available? 

Various forms of smart insulin pens are available to patients. New forms of smart insulin and glucose responsive insulin are the subject of clinical research trials all over the world. TD&E recently participated in the Novo Nordisk ONWARDS trial, a type of weekly injectable insulin known as insulin icodec.  It is currently in the FDA approval stage to assess safety and efficacy.

TD&E prides itself on offering patients the opportunity to participate in clinical research trials that may enhance their current treatments and potentially provide additional support or alleviation of symptoms related to their condition. 

More about our clinical research department and available trials can be found here.

Contact Us to Help Manage your Diabetes, Osteoporosis and Thyroid Conditions 

If you’d like to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists at Texas Diabetes & Endocrinology and discover how our diabetes services, heart disease prevention,  and other endocrinology therapies can help you lead a full and active life, please contact us at (512) 458-8400 or request an appointment online.

Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram and check back with us each month as we provide you helpful wellness and health information.

Insulin resistance and diabetes are distinct in their characteristics and implications on our health.
What is the difference between insulin resistance and diabetes?

Insulin resistance and diabetes are two terms we talk about often in the endocrine world. While the conditions are connected, they are distinct in their characteristics and implications on our health. 

Insulin Resistance: The Precursor to Diabetes

Insulin plays a key role in regulating blood sugar levels. Our body converts carbohydrates into glucose and insulin facilitates the entry of glucose into cells. However, in the case of insulin resistance, the normal interaction between insulin and cells becomes disrupted.  

Dr. Srujana Yada describes insulin resistance as when “a person must produce more insulin than the general population to keep his blood sugars levels normal. In other words, insulin resistance means that they need more insulin to keep the glucose levels at a normal range than others.” 

Insulin resistance can present in a number of ways, including: 

  • Impaired glucose tolerance, impaired fasting glucose, type 2 diabetes mellitus, increased insulin requirements in type 1 diabetes
  • Hypertension (high blood pressure)
  • Hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol)
  • Coronary artery disease
  • Metabolic syndrome (conditions that increase the risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes)
  • Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
  • Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
  • Certain obesity-related malignancies (eg, endometrial cancer)

Insulin resistance typically precedes the development of Type 2 diabetes, and is diagnosed based upon clinical findings, which include:

  • Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar)
  • Dyslipidemia (lipid imbalance)
  • Abdominal obesity
  • Hypertension (high blood pressure)

Diabetes: Improper Blood Sugar Regulation

Diabetes is a chronic condition characterized by high levels of glucose in the blood. Diabetes occurs when your pancreas is not making enough insulin to regulate your blood sugar, often due to prolonged insulin resistance. Similarly, prediabetes occurs in about 1 out of every 3 adults in the United States and means that your blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be considered diabetes yet.

Diabetes is diagnosed based on specific blood sugar levels that consistently exceed normal ranges. Once diagnosed, diabetes requires careful management to prevent complications.

Can you prevent insulin resistance?

Unfortunately you can’t prevent insulin resisitance entirely, but living a healthy lifestyle can help make your body’s cells more receptive to insulin. Our team of endocrinologists recommend taking proactive steps toward managing insulin resistance and ultimately preventing the progression to diabetes. Adopting a balanced diet, maintaining a healthy weight, staying physically active and scheduling regular medical appointments and screenings can lead to significant improvements in your overall health. 

If you need to make lifestyle changes, our medically supervised NextStepMD weight loss program can help you gain better control of your health. The NextStepMD health and wellness coaches offer one-on-one sessions and work closely with you to recommend the methods that offer the greatest opportunities of success.

In addition to adopting a healthy lifestyle, your doctor may recommend taking an insulin-sensitizing medication to manage your glucose control. 

Endocrinologists in Austin, TX

If you’d like to learn more about our full range of endocrine services, please call Texas Diabetes and Endocrinology at (512) 458-8400 or request an appointment online

Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram and check back with us each month as we provide you helpful wellness and health information.