Get Your Free Type 2 Diabetes Technology Guide

What Type 2 Diabetes Technology Can Do

Technology has changed how people manage type 2 diabetes. According to the American Diabetes Association, about 37.3 million Americans have diabetes, and roughly 90-95% of them have type 2. Managing this condition involves tracking blood sugar levels, monitoring food intake, and sometimes taking medications. Modern devices and apps make these daily tasks more practical and less time-consuming.

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A Type 2 Diabetes Technology Guide explains the different tools available to people managing this condition. These tools range from devices you can hold in your hand to programs on your phone or computer. The guide describes how each technology works and what information it tracks. It does not tell you which device to use or whether any specific technology is right for your situation—that conversation happens between you and your healthcare provider.

The guide covers continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), blood glucose meters, insulin pumps, apps for food tracking, and connected devices that share data with your doctor. Each of these serves a different purpose. Some people use one device; others use several in combination. Understanding what each tool does helps you have better conversations with your care team about what might work in your life.

Technology can reduce the burden of daily management tasks. Research published in the journal Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics shows that people who use digital tools to track their condition often report feeling more in control of their health and less stressed about managing diabetes day-to-day.

Practical Takeaway: Read through the sections of the guide that describe technologies you're curious about. Write down any questions to discuss with your doctor or diabetes educator at your next visit.

Understanding Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs)

A continuous glucose monitor is a small device worn on your body—usually on your arm or belly—that measures your blood sugar levels throughout the day and night. Unlike traditional finger-stick tests that give you one reading at a time, a CGM takes readings automatically, often every 5 to 15 minutes. This creates a detailed picture of how your blood sugar changes during sleep, exercise, meals, and daily activities.

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CGMs use a tiny sensor inserted just under the skin. The sensor measures glucose in fluid surrounding your cells, not directly in your blood. Most CGMs send readings wirelessly to a receiver or smartphone. Many models store data and allow you to see trends—such as whether your blood sugar tends to rise after breakfast or drop during your evening workout. Some CGMs can alert you when blood sugar goes too high or too low, which can be particularly useful at night.

The FDA has approved several CGMs for use. Popular models include the Freestyle Libre, Dexcom G6 and G7, and Medtronic Guardian. Each works slightly differently and has different costs and insurance coverage situations. Some require a prescription; others do not. Wear time varies—some last 10 days, others last two weeks. A Type 2 Diabetes Technology Guide describes the features of different models so you understand what questions to ask your healthcare provider.

Research shows that using a CGM can help lower A1C levels—a measure of average blood sugar over three months. A study in the New England Journal of Medicine found that people with type 2 diabetes who used CGMs had meaningful improvements in blood sugar control. However, benefits depend on how often you look at the data and what changes you make based on what you learn.

Practical Takeaway: If CGMs interest you, note which models are described in the guide. Ask your healthcare provider which CGMs work with your insurance and which might fit your lifestyle.

Blood Glucose Meters and Testing Supplies

Blood glucose meters, also called glucometers or glucose monitors, are devices that measure blood sugar from a small drop of blood. Most people get this blood drop by using a lancet—a small needle—to prick a finger. The meter then shows your blood sugar reading in seconds. These devices have been used for decades and remain a basic tool for managing type 2 diabetes.

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Traditional blood glucose meters require you to test yourself at specific times—before meals, before bed, or when you feel symptoms of high or low blood sugar. Some people test several times daily; others test once or twice. The frequency depends on your treatment plan and what your doctor recommends. Each test requires a test strip, which means there is an ongoing cost for testing supplies. However, Medicare and most insurance plans cover glucose meter test strips.

Modern glucose meters are smaller and require less blood than older models. Many have features like large displays, memory storage for hundreds of test results, and the ability to connect to smartphone apps. Some meters upload data automatically to a cloud-based system that you and your healthcare provider can both access. This makes it easier to share your testing information during doctor visits without manually writing numbers down.

Testing accuracy is important. The FDA regulates glucose meters and requires them to meet accuracy standards. However, accuracy can be affected by things like expired test strips, not enough blood on the strip, or environmental factors like extreme temperatures. The guide typically explains how to use a meter correctly and how to know if your device is working properly. You should also check the expiration date on test strips and store them at room temperature, away from moisture.

Practical Takeaway: If you use a blood glucose meter, the guide may help you understand what different blood sugar readings mean and when to check your blood sugar based on your daily activities and meals.

Insulin Pumps and Automated Systems

An insulin pump is a small device, about the size of a pager, that delivers insulin through a tiny tube placed under your skin. The pump allows for very precise insulin dosing throughout the day and night. Some people find pumps easier to use than multiple daily insulin injections because the pump can be programmed to deliver small amounts of insulin continuously, and larger amounts at mealtimes based on your carbohydrate intake.

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There are two main types of insulin pumps: traditional pumps with tubing and newer patch pumps that stick directly to your skin without visible tubing. Pumps must be prescribed by a doctor and usually require special training to use correctly. Insurance coverage and out-of-pocket costs vary widely depending on your plan. The pump itself is a one-time cost, but the tubing sets or patches must be replaced every few days, which becomes an ongoing expense.

Some newer insulin pumps can work with continuous glucose monitors in what's called an automated insulin delivery system. These systems use the CGM reading to automatically adjust insulin delivery throughout the day, reducing the need for you to calculate doses manually. Systems like the Medtronic 670G and Tandem t:slim X2 work this way. They are sometimes called "artificial pancreas" systems because they partially automate the process of managing blood sugar. These systems can reduce nighttime low blood sugar events and improve overall A1C numbers, according to clinical trials.

Not everyone with type 2 diabetes uses an insulin pump. Pumps are most commonly used by people who take insulin multiple times daily or who want more control over their insulin dosing. Your healthcare provider can discuss whether a pump might be appropriate for your situation. The guide describes how pumps work and what the different models offer, helping you understand the technology if your doctor suggests it.

Practical Takeaway: If you currently take insulin, read the section on pumps to understand how they differ from injections. This information can help you decide if asking your doctor about pump therapy makes sense for you.

Diabetes Management Apps and Digital Tools

Smartphone and computer apps have become important tools for managing type 2 diabetes. These apps allow you to log meals, track carbohydrates, record blood sugar readings, log physical activity, and monitor weight. Some apps integrate data from your glucose meter or CGM automatically, while others require you to enter readings manually. Popular apps include MySugr, Cronometer, Fitbit, MyFitnessPal, and others designed specifically for diabetes management.

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Food tracking apps help you understand what you eat and how different foods affect your body. Many have large food databases so you can quickly log what you consumed at meals and snacks. Some apps calculate carbohydrates automatically, which is important because carbohydrates are the main nutrient that affects blood sugar in type 2 diabetes. By logging food and comparing it to your blood sugar readings, you can identify patterns—for example, learning that a large pasta dinner tends to raise your blood sugar more than a similar-sized portion of chicken and vegetables.

Physical activity tracking helps you see how exercise affects your blood sugar and overall health. Many apps connect to fitness trac