### Managing Type 2 Diabetes with Technology by Shelby Kinnaird Managing type 2 diabetes can feel like a lifelong science experiment. You need to track what you eat and measure its effect on your blood sugar levels. If you take insulin, you have to calculate the right amount to offset the carbs you've eaten. Exercise also needs to be considered. #### Essential Devices The most important device for someone with diabetes is a glucose meter, also known as a glucometer. After a quick finger prick, you'll know your blood sugar level at that moment. Even if you use a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), you'll still need a meter occasionally. When selecting a glucometer, consider factors like cost, data sharing, and note-taking capabilities. #### Useful Apps There are apps for everything these days, including diabetes management. MyFitnessPal is great for tracking diet, carbs, and exercise. LoseIt! offers similar features. For CGM users, the LibreLink app is very useful. GlucoseZone promises personalized workouts, and YouTube has various exercise videos. Social media apps like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram connect you with others who have diabetes, providing a support network. Other comprehensive diabetes management apps include Diabetes:M and mySugr. #### Ideal App My ideal app would integrate food tracking from LoseIt! and MyFitnessPal, blood sugar monitoring from LibreLink, fitness tracking and exercise tips from MyFitnessPal and GlucoseZone, and social support from platforms like Twitter and Facebook. #### Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) After hearing about CGMs like Dexcom and Medtronic from my support group, I asked my doctor about them. A fan of Freestyle Libre, my doctor said it helped many type 2 diabetes patients improve their A1C levels. The Freestyle Libre consists of a sensor and a reader. The sensor attaches to the back of your arm, and you wave the reader over it to get a blood sugar reading. Health plans may not cover CGMs unless you take insulin, so you might need to pay out-of-pocket. The reader is a one-time purchase, and sensors need replacement every 14 days. #### Other Useful Devices Other helpful devices include medication pens, insulin pumps, and fitness trackers. Medication pens allow for convenient and precise injections. Insulin pumps deliver insulin 24/7 through a catheter under the skin. Fitness trackers monitor your daily activity, heart rate, and sleep quality. Using the right devices and technology can make managing type 2 diabetes easier and less daunting. Don't be afraid to try new things; you might find something that makes managing your condition more convenient. Shelby Kinnaird, author of The Diabetes Cookbook for Electric Pressure Cookers and The Pocket Carbohydrate Counter Guide for Diabetes, shares healthy recipes and tips on her blog Diabetic Foodie. She has successfully managed her type 2 diabetes since 1999.