Diabetes and technology - an update for the general physician

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Digital Health
• Public Health

Background:

• Diabetes mellitus is a significant public health issue, impacting approximately 20% of acute hospital beds.
• Recent National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines promote the adoption of advanced diabetes technologies within the National Health Service (NHS).
• General physicians face challenges including unfamiliarity, inadequate education, and low confidence in managing patients using these new diabetes technologies during acute illnesses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide general physicians with updated information on diabetes technologies.
• To outline troubleshooting strategies for common diabetes technologies in acute care scenarios.
• To enhance the knowledge and confidence of non-diabetes specialists in managing patients with diabetes technology.

Main Methods:

• This review synthesizes current information on diabetes technologies available in the NHS.
• It covers continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), insulin pumps, and hybrid closed-loop systems.
• The review addresses management in acute illnesses, emergencies, perioperative care, and radiological investigations.

Main Results:

• Diabetes technologies offer significant benefits but require enhanced understanding among non-specialist physicians.
• Effective management necessitates updated knowledge on device function and troubleshooting.
• Consistent inpatient care pathways and accessible diabetes team support are crucial.

Conclusions:

• Improving non-diabetes physicians' knowledge and confidence in using diabetes technology is essential for patient safety.
• Further research is needed to optimize the use of diabetes technology in inpatient settings and emergencies.
• Bridging the knowledge gap will improve care for the growing number of patients using diabetes devices.