As an avid geek I would be remiss to not include a page for gadgets that can help you manage your diabetes. Please see below tech reviews for products that I have used to help me manage type 2 diabetes.
Glucose Monitoring Devices
Element Blood Glucose Monitoring Device
I received this when I was diagnosed from the wonderful NHS. It does what is says on the tin, you simply prick your finger, then use a medical element strip to catch blood. Finally insert into the machine and you’re good to go.
At £11.87 (at time of writing) this is a cheap and effective monitoring system. Please note you also need to get lancets (needle to pin prick) and testing strips to record blood.
https://www.neondiagnostics.co.uk/blood-glucose-monitors/element
Nexus Blue Glucose Monitoring Device
I have not purchased this yet but once I have used up my lancets and strips for the above Element device I fancy purchasing this on Amazon. It synced via their app to your phone which I think would be handy to record sugar levels in one place.
Sure its more expensive at £24.99 but I love myself a gadget, what can I say.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B079832VBV?tag=track-ect-uk-1357832-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1&ascsubtag=ecSEPaodt1gjls3sifys
Freestyle Libre 2 Plus
My other half had a free trial after a check up with the Diabetic nurse. They provided a device from FreeStyle called Libre 2 Plus. More information about this product including purchase can be obtained from here.
I helped her attach this to her arm and set up the app on her phone. This is what she had to say about it…
The application of the device on the arm didn’t hurt, however after a week she did notice that the area was itchy. Most likely the hole in which the wire was placed as it healed was getting irritated.
The app was fantastic, it gave real time readings and you can check immediately when eating the impact. In inverse when fasting is also true. If she used this long enough the app would predict your blood levels from what you eat and when.
She would recommend this product, however the issue is that the price is quite high. Currently £51.74 excluding VAT and this lasts only 15 days. Each month would net you £103.48 excluding VAT!
Applications
myFitnessPal
I have found that recording my food has been helpful in not only managing my carb intake but also understanding how snacks in particular can very quickly knock you into the danger zone.
I have used MyFitnessPal for years now but now pay for the Premium subscription which is £39.99 annually. This can be downloaded to your phone and used accordingly.
