This continues to be one of the most popular DBlogWeek topics, so let’s have another crack at it! Tell us what your fantasy diabetes device would be? Think of your dream blood glucose checker, delivery system for insulin or other meds, magic carb counter, or anything else you can think of. The sky is the limit – what would you love to see?
Riva Greenberg’s article, The Type 1 Versus Type 2 Diabetes War is an eye opener. I know exactly the difference between type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes. But, since I am forced to live with the latter, I thought my condition was harder. But still, not harder than people with Type 1 diabetes is.
For the most part, I agree that healthy diet and complete lifestyle change can reverse or manage Type 2 diabetes. I also know that, although Type 2 can be genetic at some point, most cases developed due to poor health and obesity. This is opposite Type 1 diabetes. It happens when the cells in the body terminate one vital function of the pancreas — make insulin.
Dream device
I don’t want something that would do all the work for me. All I need is a reminder or two to keep me going, just like what my fellow Type 2 diabetics need.
In that case, my dream device would be something that I can strap on to my wrist and monitor my blood glucose level. It will tell me when it’s okay to eat something once it touches my tongue and when to stop eating it. It will also remind me when it’s time to move, alert me when something’s not right, and so on.
Like an insulin pump, it will have a metformin pump to keep my blood glucose level normal all the time.
I have sleep apnea, too, so my dream device would cover it as well—a portable, mini-CPAP minus the breathing tube. It will transmit oxygen via headset while playing binaural sound to help me sleep and keep me asleep.
If I am bored or feeling down, this dream device of mine will play uplifting music to keep me motivated and inspired. Yes, it will have a mood detector.
It can hold thousands of audiobooks and mp3s with its 2 TB storage capacity. Steve Jobs will be happy because it will work like an Apple computer with sleek design.
And, oh! It will have its own version of Siri, too! Its name would be Betty (Betic will sound awkward). Ah…my dream device. An artificial intelligence. Reminds me of the movie Her. Just how fun can managing Type 2 diabetes get?
With an AI monitoring your every move and telling you what you can and cannot have, it would be as if diabetes does not exist!
I won’t focus on the effects of technology on human behavior for now. The emphasis is on the idea that this device of mine will keep me motivated, active, and healthy.
It will scan food labels and count carbs, give me an automatic A1c test and then cheer me up when the result is unfavorable.
Then, it will give me a list of suggestions on how I can lower the numbers. The list will be based on my previous three months’ activities and eating habits.
More than a dream device for Type 2 diabetics, I also have a dream device for Type 1 diabetics. Here’s the idea (and I am sure most Type 1 diabetics already have the same):
- A battery-operated gadget that works a hundred hours a week at least but only takes two hours of charging time
- It would be a combination of test strip, meter, and insulin pump/pen so just strap it onto the belly and you’re good
- It checks blood sugar readings (to save Type 1s the hassles of regularly checking their insulin levels)
- It pumps insulin when necessary to prevent hypo or hyperglycemia
- A device that, during prolonged use, corrects the system and eventually cures type 1 diabetes. Just like contacts or eyeglasses correct visions.
The idea is to free up a huge amount of time for them. Create a hassle-free life. Reduce the amount of tools they need to carry and set up several times a day. Lessen the risk of hypoglycemia. Let them spend more trouble-free time doing work and enjoying the company of family and friends for longer period.
I am aware that they spend minutes throughout the day testing their blood sugar and injecting insulin into their blood stream. So, if I can give them a break, I’d make it long by creating a device that works round the clock, 24/7.
This device would make life easier but the last one seals the deal. It’s a dream device so anything can happen, right? We know for sure that it is far from reality.
Scientist have not yet discovered the cure for diabetes. But still, the possibilities are endless. These dream devices? They’re cool, classy, intelligent, and FREE of charge!
Yes, sign me up for one of those devices!!