Diabetes Technology: What to Expect in 2023

*Disclaimer: All the information in this blog is intended for informational and education purposes only.

In recent years, there has been a surge in the development and use of technology to help manage diabetes. From continuous glucose monitoring systems (CGMs) to hybrid closed loop insulin pump technology, these advancements have revolutionized the way people with diabetes manage their condition.

As we enter 2023, we can expect to see even more exciting developments in diabetes technology. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the latest updates and innovations in the world of diabetes management.

What types of technology is used in diabetes management?

There are several types of technology used in diabetes management, with some of the most common being blood glucose meters, CGMs, and insulin pumps. Blood glucose meters allow individuals with diabetes to check their blood glucose levels quickly and easily, while CGMs continuously track glucose levels and provide real-time alerts and readings. Insulin pumps are wearable devices that deliver insulin to the body throughout the day, eliminating the need for frequent injections. The latest advancements in diabetes technology are hybrid closed loop systems, which is a type of insulin delivery system that uses a CGMs and an algorithm to automatically adjust insulin doses in response to changes in glucose levels.

What is the latest continuous glucose monitor system technology for diabetes?

Currently, there are CGMs available on the market. The newest CGMs include Freestyle Libre 3 and Dexcom G7. Here is a list of the currently available CGMs:

Freestyle Libre 3

Abbott’s latest CGMs, Freestyle Libre 3, has been available since October 2022. One of its most impressive features is its incredibly small and thin design. Abbott boasts that it is currently the smallest, thinnest, and most discreet CGMs being that it is smaller than 2 stacked pennies. But that’s not all, Freestyle Libre 3 takes convenience to a whole new level by becoming the first version of Libre sensors to eliminate the need for scanning. By simply downloading the free app onto a compatible smartphone device, users can now receive real-time glucose readings along with updates every minute.

Dexcom G7

The Dexcom G7 was just released in February 2023 and it’s already making waves! Not only is it the most accurate CGM on the market, but it’s also gained clearance for use during pregnancy. The sensor wear time has been extended to 14 days, compared to 10 days from the previous Dexcom G6. The Dexcom G7 also has a quick warm-up period of only 30 minutes, compared to the two *long* hours it took for the G6. Plus, the new all-in-one sensor and transmitter design not only offers a smaller device, it also streamlines the insertion process for people with diabetes.

What is the latest insulin pump technology for diabetes?

Tidepool Loop

Exciting news reached the diabetes community in early 2023 when Tidepool Loop received FDA clearance. This is the first time a community led initiative has received clearance from the FDA, and it is generating a lot of excitement in the diabetes community. Read more about Tidepool Loop here.

Omnipod 5

Omnipod 5 is the latest version of the tubeless insulin pump system by Insulet. One of the main features of the Omnipod 5 system is its integration with the Dexcom G6 CGM system. This allows the pump to automatically adjust insulin dosing based on the user’s CGM readings using SmartAdjust technology. Learn more about Omnipod 5 features here.

Tandem Mobi

Tandem Mobi is set to be released sometime in 2023. This pump will be half the size of the current tandem t:slim X2 and feature a 200-unit insulin cartridge and be fully waterproof. Like previous pumps, this one will be the first insulin pump fully controllable from the connected mobile app along with hybrid closed-loop functionality.

Tandem t:slim x3

After the release of the Mobi by Tandem, the updated version of t:slim x3 is expected to follow. This new iteration of the pump will have a refreshed user interface, improved processing power, longer battery life, and wireless software update capabilities. For more information on Tandem’s latest product innovations, you can visit their website here .

Medtronic MiniMed 780g

The MiniMed 780G is the latest version of the hybrid closed-loop insulin pump system by Medtronic. The system will automatically adjust insulin delivery every 5 minutes by self-adjusting basal delivery and auto correction dosing to prevent highs and lows. Medtronic 780G isn’t available in the U.S yet, but it appears that FDA clearance will be granted sometime in the near future.

What does the future of diabetes technology look like?

The future of diabetes management is looking brighter than ever, with exciting advancements on the horizon that have the potential to revolutionize the way we manage this condition. One of the most promising developments is the closed-loop insulin delivery system, also known as the artificial pancreas, which could make a huge difference in the lives of individuals with diabetes. Although we're still some time away from this becoming a reality, manufacturers are continuing to release new technologies that make diabetes management easier, more efficient, and more effective than ever before.

To stay up-to-date on the latest developments, be sure to check out Keeping it 100 Radio: Uncensored Diabetes Conversations Episode #89: Diabetes Technology: What to Expect in 2023 with Madalyn Vasquez, MS, RD, CDCES. Available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.