Technology in Diabetes Flashcards

Which statement best describes the role of a 'bolus calculator' or 'insulin-on-board' (IOB) feature on an insulin pump?

Answer: It estimates active insulin from recent boluses to prevent stacking

The IOB feature tracks insulin still active from recent boluses and subtracts it from correction calculations to prevent insulin stacking and hypoglycemia.

A patient asks about implantable CGM options. Which device is an implantable CGM with a wear period of up to 180 days?

Answer: Senseonics Eversense E3

The Senseonics Eversense E3 is an implantable CGM worn subcutaneously for up to 180 days, requiring professional insertion and removal.

Which technology allows patients to share real-time CGM data with caregivers or healthcare providers remotely?

Answer: CGM cloud-based sharing platforms (e.g., Dexcom Follow, LibreLinkUp)

Cloud-based sharing platforms like Dexcom Follow and Abbott LibreLinkUp allow real-time CGM data to be shared with followers across any distance via internet.

When reviewing pump settings with a new insulin pump user, what does the 'carbohydrate ratio' (ICR) determine?

Answer: How many grams of carbohydrate one unit of insulin will cover

The insulin-to-carbohydrate ratio (ICR) specifies the number of grams of carbohydrate that one unit of insulin covers at mealtime.

A diabetes educator is helping a patient interpret their CGM glucose variability. A coefficient of variation (CV) above what threshold is considered high glycemic variability?

Answer: 36%

A CV above 36% is generally considered high glycemic variability and is associated with increased hypoglycemia risk regardless of mean glucose.

A patient uses an insulin smart pen. Which key advantage does a smart pen provide over a standard insulin pen?

Answer: It records the dose amount and time of each injection

Smart insulin pens automatically record the dose amount and timestamp of each injection, which can be synced to an app to help track insulin-on-board.

Which patient population has the strongest evidence for benefit from CGM use, even without insulin pump therapy?

Answer: Type 1 diabetes on multiple daily injections (MDI)

Multiple randomized controlled trials (including DIAMOND and GOLD) demonstrate A1C reduction and hypoglycemia reduction in type 1 patients using CGM with MDI.