Explaining Wearable Technology
Wearable technology, also known as “wearables,” are cool gadgets you wear on your body. They can measure things like your heart rate, skin temperature, how much you move, and even how well you sleep. Plus, they can give you feedback about your health and help you keep an eye on any medical conditions you have. This technology is becoming really popular for seniors who have chronic illnesses like diabetes and want to keep a closer eye on their health.
Different Types of Wearable Technology for Diabetes
There are different types of wearable technology out there to help seniors with diabetes. Some of the most popular ones are Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs), insulin pumps, and smartwatches.
Continuous Glucose Monitors
A Continuous Glucose Monitor is a small device that you wear on the back of your upper arm. It has a tiny sensor that goes under your skin and measures your glucose levels all the time. It sends this information to an app on your phone every five minutes, so you can keep track of any changes in your blood sugar levels.
Insulin Pumps
An insulin pump is a small device that can be worn discreetly throughout the day or night. It delivers insulin for up to three days at a time through a tube that goes under your skin. This can make life a lot easier for seniors with diabetes who don’t want to have to give themselves multiple injections every day.
Smart Watches
Smartwatches are becoming really popular with seniors because they’re so convenient. They can do things like send you alerts when your blood sugar is low and even let your family members or caregivers know if you need help. Plus, they can track your activity levels, like how many steps you take each day, which can help you stay active.
Benefits of Wearable Technology for Seniors with Diabetes
Wearable technology can make it a lot easier for seniors to manage their diabetes and can improve their overall quality of life. Some of the benefits of wearable tech include:
Better Blood Glucose Monitoring
Wearable devices give you a really easy way to keep track of your glucose levels. You can see your readings in real time, and most of them don’t require you to prick your finger or use test strips, which can be really helpful if you have trouble with your hands.
More Freedom to Move Around
With wearables, you can measure and control your activity levels while still being able to move around throughout the day. You don’t have to worry about checking your blood sugar all the time, and you don’t have to carry around a big bag of medical supplies every time you leave the house.
Improved Quality of Life
By keeping a better eye on your insulin and getting alerts when your glucose is too low or too high, you can have more freedom in managing your diabetes. Plus, you can feel more confident about your overall well-being because you’re keeping a regular check on your health. The technology keeps track of everything for you, so you don’t have to keep a manual journal, which can take up a lot of time and be really overwhelming.
Need Help Getting Started With Wearable Tech?
Wearable technology can really change the way we treat diabetes, especially for seniors. With these devices, seniors with diabetes can stay more connected and active while managing their conditions more effectively.
