Connected insulin pens and pen caps offer people with type 1 diabetes (T1D) a different way to use technology to manage and deliver insulin.
Some people with T1D find smart insulin pens are a good alternative to their insulin pumps and automated insulin delivery systems (also called artificial pancreas systems or AP systems) when they want to take a break from being “attached” all the time.
Taking a “pump pause” has more implications today than it has in the past. This is especially the case if you are using an automated insulin delivery system/AP system to manage your T1D.
The first FDA-approved smart insulin pen, Medtronic’s InPen, was launched in 2016. Since then, several other connected insulin pens and caps have arrived on the market, including Bigfoot’s Unity smart cap and Novo Nordisk’s NovoPen 6 and NovoPen Echo Plus.
Ryan Thompson started using a smart insulin pen in March 2022, after being on an insulin pump for 15 years. His active lifestyle and desire to try something new informed his decision.
“It blended a mix of new technology with the app and a familiar experience with the pen format,” Ryan said. “Each person with diabetes needs to do what is best for their lifestyle.”
Tubeless Technology
Connected pens and pen caps use Bluetooth technology to send dose information to a mobile app, which helps users track insulin dosage. Smart insulin pens calculate doses and identify trends. This technology relieves some of the mental math burden of T1D, similar to an insulin pump. The InPen and Unity smart cap also work with select CGMs to make dosing with them even easier!
5 Reasons to Consider a Pump Pause
So, why do some people with type 1 diabetes use summer as an opportunity to take a pump pause? Here’s a list of 5 reasons that might inform your decision:
- Sweat and sunscreen can make pump site adhesives a challenge to keep on. With a smart pen or pen cap, you don’t need to worry about extra tape or overlays. “I have always loved the beach,” Ryan said. “The freedom of not having tubing or a wet pump site is great.”
- Some smart pens, including Medtronic’s InPen, have temperature alerts that notify you if the insulin gets too hot (or too cold), a convenient reminder when you’re spending time in the summer sun. Some insulin pumps also have this feature.
- Packing for a summer vacation with T1D can add another suitcase of supplies. Smart insulin pens are refillable, so all you need is the insulin cartridge to deliver boluses. (But don’t forget to pack the rest of your supplies, like blood glucose meters, CGMs and glucagon!) “I travel a lot for leisure,” Ryan said. “The InPen tucks away in my carry bag very easily and does not require additional TSA security measures, which is welcomed!” See Type 1 and TSA: What to Know Before Taking Off
- We’re big fans of showing off your T1D tech and of the improved health outcomes pumps and AP systems help people achieve, but some people may view pump-wearing as something they’d rather not deal with when wearing bathing suits, shorts, and sundresses. A smart pen means you don’t need to be MacGyver when getting dressed in the hotter months.
- With a smart insulin pen, you can use injection sites that may not always be practical for a pump site (looking at you, beltline), which could result in improved absorption—not a bad thing for carb-heavy summer BBQs.
Use the Tools That Work Best for You
“One of Breakthrough T1D’s goals is to make sure that everyone has the diabetes management tools that work best for them,” said Associate Director of Research at Breakthrough T1D, Jonathan Rosen, Ph.D. “While we have driven forward the development of AP systems, which consist of a pump, CGM, and controller, and have demonstrated benefits in improving outcomes and reducing disease burden, we appreciate that not everyone wants to wear a pump and are thrilled to see the progress in smart pens. Smart pens can aid with many aspects of T1D care, including helping users determine when to take insulin and what the dose should be, which helps relieve the daily burden of T1D.”
If you are considering any changes to your diabetes management plan, discuss it first with your healthcare provider.
Any way you choose to manage your T1D this summer, stay safe and have fun!
Editor’s Note: This educational content is made possible with support from Medtronic. Breakthrough T1D produces this content to provide information to our supporters about their potential options for managing their T1D and not as an endorsement of products. Editorial control rests solely with Breakthrough T1D.
