‘Smart’ insulin pen with CGM first to launch in emerging field

Medtronic’s latest version of its smart insulin pen features integrated continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and is the first “connected” device for use by people with diabetes who use multiple daily injections (MDI) of insulin. The InPen with Real-Time Guardian Connect CGM Data allows users to view glucose readings and insulin dose information in the same app. Graphical displays show such information as aggregate insulin, glucose, and carbohydrate information, which can be sent wirelessly to a clinician. The pens also can be programmed with target blood glucose levels, insulin-to-carb ratios, and insulin sensitivity parameters. Speaking recently at the Diabetes Technology Society conference, Diabetes Care and Education Specialist Hope Warshaw, owner of Hope Warshaw Associates, observed that the number of patients who might benefit from smart pens may be larger than estimated. There are roughly 1.6 million patients nationwide with type 1 diabetes, of whom just 30%-40% use insulin pumps. In addition, of the 5.8 million with type 2 diabetes who take insulin, about 29%, or 1.7 million, use MDI, defined as injecting both long-acting insulin and short-acting insulin before meals. For those with type 1 diabetes, Warshaw said that smart pens might be a good option for “people who don’t want to wear the physical pump. They can deal with the sensor, but for psychological reasons or they have dermatologic issues, they just can’t wear a pump.” She also noted that “more and more people with type 2 diabetes are on MDI.”