What Seniors Need to Know About Wearable Technology for Managing Diabetes

Living with diabetes can be a challenging and frustrating process for seniors. Managing their day-to-day health, keeping track of their blood sugar levels, and monitoring what they eat take up much of the time for those living with the condition. Thanks to technological advancements, wearable technology for seniors with diabetes can now help monitor and manage the condition.

Learn about wearable devices, what they are, and how they can help seniors manage diabetes.

What is Wearable Technology?

Wearable technology or "wearables" are gadgets worn on the body. These measure certain biometrics, including heart rate, skin temperature, activity levels, sleep quality, and more. These devices can also provide feedback directly to users so they know what's good for their health and track any medical conditions.

Wearable technology has become increasingly popular for seniors living with chronic illnesses like diabetes who want to keep closer tabs on their health with ease.

What Wearable Technology is Available for Those with Diabetes?

Various wearable technology is now available to help seniors with diabetes manage their condition. Some popular wearable devices include Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs), insulin pumps, smartwatches, and more. 

Continuous Glucose Monitors

This device is typically worn on the back of the upper arm. It measures glucose levels in real-time through a tiny sensor inserted under the skin. It gathers data every five minutes and sends it directly to an app on a mobile phone so that seniors can keep track of fluctuations in blood sugar levels.  

Insulin Pumps

An insulin pump is usually small enough to be worn discreetly throughout the day or night, depending on user preference. Typically infused through a tube beneath the skin around the abdomen area, this device delivers fast-acting insulin for up to three days at a time. This makes it easier for seniors with diabetes looking for freedom from a grueling multiple daily injections regimen. 

Smart Watches

Smartwatches have become increasingly popular amongst seniors due to their modern convenience factor. They offer numerous aspects ideal for diabetics, such as email/SMS alerts of low blood sugar readings and alerting family members or caretakers when needed. Health tracking benefits make them especially helpful in monitoring activity levels, like counting daily steps. This helps regulate the movement of those with limited mobility. 

What are the Benefits of Wearable Technology for Seniors with Diabetes?

Wearables help make it easier for seniors to monitor their diabetes and improve their overall quality of life by assisting them in staying on top of potential health issues. Some significant benefits wearable tech provides include:

Improved Blood Glucose Monitoring

Wearable devices offer a more convenient way to track glucose levels since the readings are available in real time. Additionally, most do not require finger pricking or test strips; this makes it much easier for those with limited manual dexterity. 

Increased Mobility

With certain wearables, seniors can conveniently measure and regulate activity levels while remaining mobile throughout the day without worrying about frequent blood sugar checks. This also provides freedom from carrying heavy medical bags that typically contain needles, syringes, and other supplies necessary to manage diabetes each time they leave home. 

Improved Quality of Life

By monitoring insulin intake better and receiving constant notifications when glucose is too low or too high, seniors have more liberties when managing their diabetes daily, along with improved confidence in general well-being due to regular evaluation. The technology automatically tracks results within seconds rather than manually keeping a journal, which can be time-consuming and daunting.

Want Help Getting Started With Wearable Tech?

Wearable technology has the potential to revolutionize treatment for diabetics of any age, but especially seniors. Seniors with diabetes can now stay more connected and active while managing their conditions more effectively using these devices.

Do you want to learn more about how wearable technology could help your senior loved one manage their diabetes? Senior Helpers Lee's Summit can help! We work with seniors in Lees Summit, Kansas City, Blue Springs, and beyond, giving them the assistance they need to manage conditions like diabetes in the comfort of their own homes. Contact us today for a free in-home consultation.