Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
. 2023 Jul;14(7):1077-1091.
doi: 10.1007/s13300-023-01417-1. Epub 2023 May 15.

Connected Insulin Pens and Caps: An Expert's Recommendation from the Area of Diabetes of the Spanish Endocrinology and Nutrition Society (SEEN)

Cristina Tejera-Pérez  1 , Ana Chico  2   3   4 , Sharona Azriel-Mira  5 , Beatriz Lardiés-Sánchez  6 , Fernando Gomez-Peralta  7 ; Área de Diabetes-SEEN
Collaborators, Affiliations

Connected Insulin Pens and Caps: An Expert's Recommendation from the Area of Diabetes of the Spanish Endocrinology and Nutrition Society (SEEN)

Cristina Tejera-Pérez et al. Diabetes Ther. 2023 Jul.

Abstract

Undoubtedly, technological advances have revolutionised diabetes management in recent years. The development of advanced closed hybrid loop insulin pumps or continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems, among others, have increased the quality of life and improved glycaemic control of people with diabetes. However, only some patients have access to such technology, and only some want to use it. CGM has become much more widespread, but in terms of insulin delivery, most people with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and almost all people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) on insulin therapy are treated with multiple-dose insulin injections (MDI) rather than an insulin pump. For these patients, using connected insulin pens or caps has shown benefits in reducing missed insulin injections and promoting correct administration over time. In addition, using these devices improves the quality of life and user satisfaction. The integration of insulin injection and CGM data facilitates both users and the healthcare team to analyse glucose control and implement appropriate therapeutic changes, reducing therapeutic inertia. This expert's recommendation reviews the characteristics of the devices marketed or in the process of being marketed and their available scientific evidence. Finally, it suggests the profile of users and professionals who would benefit most, the barriers to its generalisation and the changes in the care model that implementing these devices can bring with it.

Keywords: Connected insulin caps; Connected insulin pens; Diabetes; Digital health; Multiple daily insulin therapy.

PubMed Disclaimer

Conflict of interest statement

Cristina Tejara has taken part in advisory panels for Boeringher Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals; has received research support from Novo Nordisk and Lilly; and has acted as a speaker for Novo Nordisk, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP, Merck Sharp & Dohme and Lilly. Ana Chico has received support to attend congresses and courses from Roche, Lilly, MSD, Esteve, Sanofi, Novalab, Novo Nordisk, DexCom; has participate In Advisory Boards from Abbott, Lilly, Novo Nordisk, Sanofi, Air Liquide and has received research support from Roche, Novo Nordisk, Abbott. Sharona Azriel-Mira has taken part in advisory panels for Abbott, Lilly, Medtronic, Novartis, Novo Nordisk, Sanofi and has acted as a speaker for Amgen, Dexcom, Roche, Sanofi, Lundbeck, Novo Nordisk, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP, Roche, Munidipharma and Lilly. Beatriz Lardiés-Sanchez has taken part in advisory panels for Novo Nordisk, has received research support from Novo Nordisk and Lilly; and has acted as a speaker for Novo Nordisk, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP, Lilly, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Sanofi and Mundipharma. Ferando Gomez-Peralta has taken part in advisory panels for Insulcloud, Sanofi and Novo Nordisk; has received research support from Sanofi, Novo Nordisk, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals and Lilly; and has acted as a speaker for Sanofi, Novo Nordisk, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP, Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. and Lilly.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Schematic representation of connected insulin pens and caps
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

    1. Miller KM, Foster NC, Beck RW, Bergenstal RM, DuBose SN, DiMeglio LA, et al. Current state of type 1 diabetes treatment in the US: updated data from the T1D Exchange clinic registry. Diabetes Care. 2015;38(6):971–978. doi: 10.2337/dc15-0078. - DOI - PubMed
    1. Foster NC, Beck RW, Miller KM, Clements MA, Rickels MR, DiMeglio LA, et al. State of type 1 diabetes management and outcomes from the T1D exchange in 2016–2018. Diabetes Technol Ther. 2019;21(2):66–72. doi: 10.1089/dia.2018.0384. - DOI - PMC - PubMed
    1. Gómez-Peralta F, Menéndez E, Conde S, Conget I, Novials A, en nombre de la SED y de los investigadores del estudio SED1. Clinical characteristics and management of type 1 diabetes in Spain. The SED1 study. Endocrinol Diabetes Nutr. 2021. - PubMed
    1. Vinagre I, Mata-Cases M, Hermosilla E, Morros R, Fina F, Rosell M, et al. Control of glycemia and cardiovascular risk factors in patients with type 2 diabetes in primary care in Catalonia (Spain) Diabetes Care. 2012;35(4):774–779. doi: 10.2337/dc11-1679. - DOI - PMC - PubMed
    1. Fang M. Trends in diabetes management among US adults: 1999–2016. J Gen Intern Med. 2020;35(5):1427–1434. doi: 10.1007/s11606-019-05587-2. - DOI - PMC - PubMed