Blog Viewer

Technology…. Friend or Foe?

By Tammie Payne posted 06-26-2019 15:29

  

Technology…. Friend or Foe?

                As we embrace the quickly advancing world of diabetes technology, I wonder how many people advance their knowledge to better serve their patients.  Between new apps, changing insulin pump technology, new medications, CGM platforms, and digital insulin devices.

As we age in our careers I ponder at “Are we grasping this new and revolutionary way to manage diabetes or do some just slide by with being content with just knowing the basics.” As many have witnessed this in your own careers as nurses, dieticians, pharmacists there have been several colleagues that have felt education obtained in college was enough to get them through their careers. I hope and feel that we as diabetes educators are on the forefront of technology and education as we strive to assist and manage our patients. 

So where are you in the technology world?  Friend or foe??

 

This is a hot topic at AADE national this year as well as the WPLNG conference scheduled for November 12, 2019.  I feel that we have to embrace technology for better patient outcomes.

1 comment
0 views

Comments

07-15-2019 13:26

Friend of Technology

Today my 79 year old patient and dear colleague started on a new insulin pump and CGM. We had discussed at length before the pump was ordered. She wondered, "Am I too old for a new pump and CGM upgrade". I reassured her that may young and senior folks do very well with the new technology. In fact, with a decrease in hypoglycemia, many are doing much better with the technology than without it. I find with the older patients addition training sessions help, waiting for them to feel confident to progress to the next steps in training and having the spouse present if a way to decrease diabetes distress.

I look forward to the WPLNG Program in November! Diane