Diabetes is a dangerous and potentially fatal illness that requires a combination of medication and regular check-ups to control. Unmanaged, it can cause long-term complications such as blindness, kidney failure, and heart disease. Fortunately, technology provides various methods for managing diabetes.
- The management of blood sugar levels includes the use of oral meds, insulin shots, and diabetes monitoring devices.
- By utilizing technology, individuals with diabetes can regulate their diet and physical activity.
- Technology also enables people with diabetes to keep a check on their blood sugar levels and monitor their improvement continuously.
What is Chronic Care Management?
Chronic Care Management (CCM) refers to healthcare delivery approaches that prioritize coordinated, personalized, and all-encompassing care for individuals suffering from chronic illnesses like diabetes. The goal of CCM is to enhance the patients’ quality of life by considering their comprehensive healthcare needs in a holistic manner.
CCM can be executed through several methods, but the most prevalent is the patient-centered care model. In this approach, patients hold the key role in decision-making and their healthcare team collaborates to understand their objectives and devise a treatment plan that fulfills those requirements. CCM encompasses technologies that permit healthcare facilities to track the patients’ health status and send notifications in case of any necessary changes.
Adopting CCM methods has several advantages, one being the reduction in hospital and emergency room visits. Additionally, it improves the patients’ quality of life by lowering the stress caused by their chronic conditions.
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Is Diabetes a Common Chronic Health Condition?
Diabetes is a long-term health issue affecting approximately 9% of the US population. The prevalence of diabetes is predicted to increase in the future due to the growing trend of consuming diets rich in sugar and fat.
Diabetes can impact various parts of the body such as eyes, kidneys, heart, nerves, and legs. Without adequate management, it can pose a fatal threat. The management of diabetes involves several methods such as diet control, physical activity, and medications.
How can Diabetes be Treated with Technology?
Diabetes arises when the body fails to regulate blood sugar levels effectively. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that diabetes affects approximately 29 million people in the United States, making it the second most widespread chronic illness. Diabetes can be managed through several methods, and technology plays a significant role by monitoring blood sugar levels, tracking diabetes medication and insulin doses, and sending notifications if the blood sugar levels deviate from the normal range.
Four ways in which technzology can be utilized to treat diabetes are:
1. Use a glucose monitor to track blood sugar levels
A glucose monitor is a compact device worn on the body to monitor blood sugar levels. It typically consists of two sensors that check blood sugar levels every five minutes. Using a glucose monitor can aid in understanding diabetes better and in enhancing overall health by sticking to the treatment plan.
2. Chronic Care Management
Chronic Care Management (CCM) is an approach to manage diabetes that integrates physical, dietary, and behavioral therapies. CCM operates on the premise that diabetes can be prevented or controlled through personalized care and community support.
One way in which CCM assists individuals with diabetes is by enabling them to monitor their blood sugar levels. This data can then be utilized to modify their diet and physical activity habits.
CCM also incorporates regular check-ups with a physician or nurse. These check-ups can help identify any issues at an early stage, making them easier to treat. CCM allows people to maintain a healthier lifestyle and reduces the need for medical appointments.
3. Use an insulin pump to administer insulin
Insulin pumps are medical equipment that directly inject insulin into the bloodstream through a tube attached under the skin on the chest or abdomen. This prevents high blood sugar levels from leading to serious health issues like heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure. Insulin pumps can be life-saving and significantly decrease the risk of Type 2 diabetes.
4. Artificial pancreas
An artificial pancreas is a computer-based system that aids in regulating blood sugar levels for people with diabetes. It tracks blood sugar levels, predicts the need for insulin, and automatically delivers the necessary amount. Although still in development, the artificial pancreas technology has the potential to transform the management of diabetes.
5. Glucose monitor bracelet
Small wrist devices known as glucose monitor bracelets measure blood sugar levels several times a day and transmit the data wirelessly to your smartphone or other devices, giving you easier tracking and insight into the impact of diabetes on your health.
Conclusion
Diabetes is a serious health issue that can result in various complications. Fortunately, there are several technological solutions to help manage the condition, such as insulin pumps and chronic care management (CCM). With the aid of these treatments, you can tailor your diabetes management approach to suit your individual needs.
CCM aims to assist individuals with diabetes in effectively managing their condition and enhancing their wellbeing. Our technology enables people to monitor their blood sugar levels without the use of insulin, track their health progress, and maintain open communication with their healthcare team.
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