Diabetes technology: Which tools actually work?
By Dr. David Ahn, Dr. Kris V. Iyer Endowed Chair in Diabetes Care
“What else is there?” As an endocrinologist who has spent decades caring for people living with diabetes, I hear some version of this question almost every day. Just as technology has transformed other aspects of daily life, innovation is reshaping how diabetes is managed, helping many people achieve better health and quality of life. Over the past decade, tools such as continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), insulin pumps and digital monitoring platforms have changed what day-to-day diabetes care can look like.
At the Mary & Dick Allen Diabetes Center at Hoag, we see firsthand how these advances can empower people living with diabetes and support more personalized, proactive care. Our team is committed to helping lead the thoughtful integration of advanced diabetes technologies into specialized, patient-centered treatment.
CGMs are among the most impactful tools available today. Unlike traditional fingerstick testing, CGMs provide real-time glucose readings throughout the day and night. This continuous flow of information allows people to identify patterns, understand how food, activity and medications affect blood sugar, and make timely adjustments to therapy. As experts on the cutting edge of new diabetes technology and early adopters of CGM, we’ve seen how viewing glucose trends helps alleviate the anxiety associated with intermittent checks.
Automated insulin delivery systems have evolved well beyond where insulin pump therapy began. Modern pumps deliver highly precise insulin doses, and when paired with CGM data, can automatically adjust insulin delivery in response to changing glucose levels. These hybrid closed-loop systems—sometimes referred to as “artificial pancreas” technology—represent an important step toward more automated diabetes management. For many people, pump therapy reduces the burden of multiple daily injections while improving glucose control and helping to minimize dangerous highs and lows.
Digital monitoring tools extend these benefits even further. Smartphone apps, connected devices and secure patient portals allow people to share data with their care teams between visits. This connectivity supports more responsive care, enables virtual consultations and helps people stay engaged in their treatment plans. For people seeking specialized expertise, these platforms can make diabetes care more accessible and collaborative.
Innovation in diabetes management continues to advance beyond monitoring and insulin delivery. At Hoag, multidisciplinary teams are participating in clinical trials related to emerging therapies like metabolic endoscopy, which targets the small intestine’s role in glucose regulation for type 2 diabetes. This research reflects our broader commitment to advancing metabolic care while providing access to promising technologies in a responsible, evidence-based setting.
Technology alone is not a cure for diabetes. However, when combined with education, lifestyle support and expert clinical guidance, these tools can help people take greater control of their health.
Today, when people ask, “What else is there?” the answer is increasingly clear—more tools, more insight and more opportunities to live well with diabetes.
Learn more about the Mary and Dick Allen Diabetes Center at Hoag.
