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Home > Knowledge & support > Managing type 1 diabetes > Guide to type 1 diabetes technology > Connected insulin pens
Currently most people with T1D use a basal-bolus regime also known as multiple daily injections (MDI), mostly using insulin injection pens rather than syringes.
Fortunately, breakthrough technology isn’t just for insulin pump users. If you use MDI, a connected pen can help make your life a little easier.
A connected insulin pen is a reusable injection pen that records how much insulin you inject and when you inject it. This data can help simplify your T1D management.
Some connected pen systems come as part of a system including an app and sensor, whilst others integrate with a third-party sensor and app.
All connected pen systems can:
Some people call connected pens ‘smart insulin pens’. At Breakthrough T1D, we mention ‘smart insulin’ in terms of novel insulin research. We want to make it clear that it’s the pen that is smart with connected pens, not the insulin. Connected pens use the same insulin options as normal insulin pens.
Connected pens can be used without connecting to an app – like ordinary insulin pens, but the full benefits come by linking them to an app on your smartphone.
For example, if your connected pen is integrated with Glooko and Glooko clinic software, you can upload data from your continuous glucose monitor (CGM). This means you can view your dosing data alongside glucose data uploaded to Glooko’s platform. This can help you spot ways to spend more time in your target glucose range – such as seeing the effect of injecting after a meal rather than 20 minutes before.
This can also provide greater insight to your diabetes care team, so they can see on screen the issues you might want to discuss with them, such as morning highs, or overnight lows. They can then give you tailored advice to help overcome any problems or confirm your need for further treatment options such as hybrid closed loop technology.
Pharmaceutical companies are not allowed to advertise directly to users in the UK, and some connected pens are made by insulin manufacturers, so it can be difficult to find information about connected insulin pens. One manufacturer is not a pharmaceutical company but rather a medical device company and is allowed to advertise to users.
However, the Diabetes Technology Network (DTN-UK) has some useful videos about connected pens.
There are a couple of options, and all are available on the NHS. Speak to your diabetes care team to find out what is most suitable for you. More options are expected to become available in the coming months.
To get a connected pen, you will need to speak to your diabetes care team. Some are available on prescription from your GP, at no extra cost to the NHS beyond standard insulin pens. Others have to be procured by your clinic. This applies in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
“If you turn up to clinic with your pen, we can download the data and together review the insulin that you’ve been taking. It bridges a gap between injections and pump for people who are on that journey through technology”
Learn about continuous glucose monitoring, or CGM – a small wearable device that measures your glucose levels in real-time.
Learn more about hybrid closed loop technology (also known as the artificial pancreas) and how it can help you manage your type 1.
There are many different tools available to help you manage your type 1 diabetes. Find out what's available and what may work for you.
Blood glucose meters measure the amount of glucose in the blood. They are an important part of managing your blood glucose levels.
Continuous glucose monitoring can help you manage your glucose levels in real-time and relieve the burden of having to do multiple finger prick tests throughout the day.
A flash glucose monitor is a small wearable device that you scan with a reader or mobile phone to check your glucose levels.
Hybrid closed loop technology – also known as the artificial pancreas – automates many of the decisions that you have to make on a daily basis when you have type 1 diabetes.
Open source and DIY systems are sometimes used by people with type 1 diabetes or people caring for someone with type 1 to help manage the condition.
Apps can help you manage type 1 diabetes, from logging your insulin doses, glucose levels and the food you eat, to helping you count carbs and order prescriptions.
