How diabetes treatments have changed

40 years of diabetes tech

It’s always so interesting to hear from people who have been living with diabetes for several years and hear about the advancements in diabetes management. Seeing pictures and stories about what life was like 10, 20, and even 40 years ago is powerful in regard to having an understanding about how far treatments have come. Today, hear from our Medtronic Ambassador, Phyllis, about what life used to be like versus today, while living with diabetes. 

I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D), over 40 years ago. It seems as though not much has changed in 40 years, doesn’t it? On the surface you can say that. We still need to know how much sugar is in our system to know how much insulin to take. However, when you dig a little deeper, what has changed is how glucose levels are determined and how insulin is taken. Take a look at my experiences over the years versus where we are today. 

Determining glucose levels
 

Then: 
 

For about half of my diabetes life, glucose levels, or sugar levels were determined by urine testing. The process started by peeing in a cup, then mixing specified amounts of drops of urine and water into a glass test tube, then adding a tablet which caused some sort of chemical reaction. The resulting color determined the result. To me it seemed like magic! The color ranged from blue, the least amount of sugar, to orange, the largest amount. The color determined how much insulin should be taken. I remember keeping my fingers crossed for blue. It was far from glamorous, and it was far from exact since it captured the amount of sugar from the last urine sample, but it’s all we had, and we made do. To this day blue is still my favorite color. 

In between: 
 

The shift from urine testing to home blood testing seemed slow. I remember my first blood sugar meter was about the size of a brick and took over 2 minutes to get the results. Part of the process also included blotting or wiping blood off strips before getting the result. There was a period of time when you had to calibrate each bottle of test strips to the meter. But even the annoyance of calibrating each bottle of strips, and the bulk of the early meters, it was so much better than the previous method! 

Keep in mind, during this time digital logbooks didn’t exist. Everything you needed to be recorded was done so in a paper logbook. 
 

Now: 
 

My current blood sugar meter delivers results in 5 seconds and sends the result via Bluetooth to my insulin pump, and my data is automatically uploaded to the CareLinkTM system, so all of my information is in one spot. No more paper logbooks! 

In addition to my blood sugar meter, I also use a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), which has felt like the ultimate diabetes game changer for me. I was an early adopter of the Medtronic Diabetes Sof-Sensor, and while I didn’t use it consistently, having the system take readings every 5 minutes that I could access through my insulin pump felt amazing. I used it when I traveled, and when I needed extra data to help find problems that frequent blood sugar testing wasn’t able to provide. It wasn’t until the Medtronic Diabetes Enlite Sensor that I truly accepted and used the technology and have used Medtronic CGM consistently ever since. 
 

Taking insulin:

Then: 

When I was diagnosed, the only way to take insulin was through an injection. I started with one injection per day and then was up to three injections per day, until I started insulin pump therapy. I skipped the insulin pen stage and went from multiple daily injections straight to an insulin pump. 


Now: 

I decided to start insulin pump therapy because I needed more flexibility in my diabetes management. My first insulin pump was the MiniMed 508, which didn’t even have a Bolus Wizard! Even though the technology was pretty basic, it still was a game changer for me. I no longer needed to worry about insulin peaking, or the long-acting insulin not lasting long enough.  I’ve had several different Medtronic insulin pumps over the years. As much as the MiniMed 508 insulin pump was a game changer for me in 2000, the MiniMed 670G system with the Guardian Sensor 3 has made an even bigger difference in my diabetes management. The MiniMed 670G system has helped me spend less time chasing high and low glucose1, which helps me feel better, and I recently just switched to the MiniMed 770G system! 

Looking Back: 

People often ask me: “how did you do it?” Without access to the technology we have today, how did my parents and I manage diabetes? The answer is easy – we didn’t have a choice. We made do with what we had and welcomed each new thing no matter how big or small the new treatment was. Over the years some advancements seemed slower than others but each one made a difference in how I treated my diabetes. 

Looking to the future: 

It’s hard to be patient these days with new diabetes treatment options. Some seem to come faster than others, but I look forward to what the future holds and what it means for me and my diabetes management.   

1Refers to SmartGuard™ Auto Mode. Some user interaction required. Individual results may vary. 

The testimonial above relates an account of an individual’s experience with a Medtronic device. The account is genuine, typical and documented. However, this individual’s experience does not provide any indication, guide, warranty or guarantee as to the response or experience other people may have using the device. The experience other individuals have with the device could be different. Experiences can and do vary. Please talk to your doctor about your condition and the risks and benefits of Medtronic devices. 

 

Important Safety Information MINIMED™ 770G SYSTEM WITH SMARTGUARD™ TECHNOLOGY 

The MiniMed™ 770G system is intended for continuous delivery of basal insulin (at user selectable rates) and administration of insulin boluses (in user selectable amounts) for the management of type 1 diabetes mellitus in persons two years of age and older requiring insulin as well as for the continuous monitoring and trending of glucose levels in the fluid under the skin. The MiniMed™ 770G system includes SmartGuard™ technology, which can be programmed to automatically adjust delivery of basal insulin based on continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) sensor glucose (SG) values and can suspend delivery of insulin when the SG value falls below or is predicted to fall below predefined threshold values. 
The Medtronic MiniMed™ 770G system consists of the following devices: MiniMed™ 770G insulin pump, the Guardian™ Link (3) transmitter, the Guardian™ Sensor (3), one-press serter, the Accu-Chek® Guide Link blood glucose meter, and the Accu-Chek® Guide test strips. The system requires a prescription. 
The Guardian™ Sensor (3) has not been evaluated and is not intended to be used directly for making therapy adjustments, but rather to provide an indication of when a fingerstick may be required. All therapy adjustments should be based on measurements obtained using a blood glucose meter and not on values provided by the Guardian™ Sensor (3). 
All therapy adjustments should be based on measurements obtained using the Accu-Chek® Guide Link blood glucose meter and not on values provided by the Guardian™ Sensor (3). Always check the pump display to ensure the glucose result shown agrees with the glucose results shown on the Accu-Chek® Guide Link blood glucose meter. Do not calibrate your CGM device or calculate a bolus using a blood glucose meter result taken from an Alternative Site. It is not recommended to calibrate your CGM device when sensor or blood glucose values are changing rapidly, e.g., following a meal or physical exercise.
WARNING: Do not use the SmartGuard™ Auto Mode for people who require less than 8 units or more than 250 units of total daily insulin per day. A total daily dose of at least 8 units, but no more than 250 units, is required to operate in SmartGuard™ Auto Mode.

WARNING: Do not use the MiniMed™ 770G system until appropriate training has been received from a healthcare professional. Training is essential to ensure the safe use of the MiniMed™ 770G system. 
Pump therapy is not recommended for people whose vision or hearing does not allow recognition of pump signals and alarms. Pump therapy is not recommended for people who are unwilling or unable to maintain contact with their healthcare professional. The safety of the MiniMed™ 770G system has not been studied in pregnant women. For complete details of the system, including product and important safety information such as indications, contraindications, warnings and precautions associated with system and its components, please consult http://www.medtronicdiabetes.com/important-safety-information#minimed-770g and the appropriate user guide at http://www.medtronicdiabetes.com/download-library  
 
MINIMED™ 670G SYSTEM 

The Medtronic MiniMed™ 670G system is intended for continuous delivery of basal insulin (at user selectable rates) and administration of insulin boluses (in user selectable amounts) for the management of type 1 diabetes mellitus in persons, seven years of age and older, requiring insulin as well as for the continuous monitoring and trending of glucose levels in the fluid under the skin. The MiniMed™ 670G system includes SmartGuard™ technology, which can be programmed to automatically adjust delivery of basal insulin based on Continuous Glucose Monitor sensor glucose values and can suspend delivery of insulin when the sensor glucose value falls below or is predicted to fall below predefined threshold values. The system requires a prescription. 
The Guardian™ Sensor (3) glucose values are not intended to be used directly for making therapy adjustments, but rather to provide an indication of when a fingerstick may be required. A confirmatory finger stick test via the CONTOUR®NEXT LINK 2.4 blood glucose meter is required prior to making adjustments to diabetes therapy. All therapy adjustments should be based on measurements obtained using the CONTOUR®NEXT LINK 2.4 blood glucose meter and not on values provided by the Guardian™ Sensor (3). Always check the pump display to ensure the glucose result shown agrees with the glucose results shown on the CONTOUR®NEXT LINK 2.4 blood glucose meter. Do not calibrate your CGM device or calculate a bolus using a blood glucose meter result taken from an Alternative Site (palm) or from a control solution test. It is not recommended to calibrate your CGM device when sensor or blood glucose values are changing rapidly, e.g., following a meal or physical exercise. If a control solution test is out of range, please note that the result may be transmitted to your pump when in the “Always” send mode.
WARNING: Medtronic performed an evaluation of the MiniMed™ 670G system and determined that it may not be safe for use in children under the age of 7 because of the way that the system is designed and the daily insulin requirements. Therefore this device should not be used in anyone under the age of 7 years old. This device should also not be used in patients who require less than a total daily insulin dose of 8 units per day because the device requires a minimum of 8 units per day to operate safely.

Pump therapy is not recommended for people whose vision or hearing does not allow recognition of pump signals and alarms. Pump therapy is not recommended for people who are unwilling or unable to maintain contact with their healthcare professional. The safety of the MiniMed™ 670G system has not been studied in pregnant women. For complete details of the system, including product and important safety information such as indications, contraindications, warnings and precautions associated with system and its components, please consult http://www.medtronicdiabetes.com/important-safety-information#minimed-670g and the appropriate user guide at http://www.medtronicdiabetes.com/download-library
 

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Submitted by Melody Priester (not verified) on

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I Think I need some more training from a professional

Submitted by Nicole (not verified) on

In reply to by Melody Priester (not verified)

Hi there, Melody. If you're using a Medtronic product, we'd be happy to help set up training. Please email us at rs.medtronicloopblog@medtronic.com and we'll get you connected with a teammate.

Submitted by Perley Mackenzie (not verified) on

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Good afternoon
To add to your story I have been a type 1 diabetic since 1951 (69 years) and can add a couple of comments. We had no testing besides urine and boiled syringes and needles in an a pan and sharpened needles our needles and cleaned them with a fine wire. Low sugars were by paying attention to your body symptoms.
I just turned 80 and can still hike and do what I used to do, just a little slower. Have been using Medtronic pump for about12 or so years. Just got my 770G pump.
You can contact me anytime about my experiences with T1D
Perley MacKenzie

Submitted by Michelle Rohm (not verified) on

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Way to Go Phyllis!! I too have been a Type 1 for over 40 years, and I clearly remember all those same old methods. Oh my - technology can be a blessing! I was always very active as a kis and far into my adult life. I do have some rarer side effects, but going on the pump was huge. I am on the 670g currently and I often think how great it is that children can start right away on a pump, and how much healthier they can be from day 1. Wishing many more great years to you!

Submitted by Peter Eller (not verified) on

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Hi Amanda, today is actually my 50 year anniversary of my diagnosis. I was 14 . It is amazing now to compare current CGM with having my BG checked 3-4 times a year at dr visits. I used to increase insulin doses if there was sugar in urine for 2 days in a row. Do you remember insulin as U-80 and made from beef ?

Submitted by Joan L. Strauss (not verified) on

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I was diagnosed with Type I Diabetes, in 1964 when I was 16. I was never hospitalized, but taught how to manage my diabetes by 2 consecutive morning appointments in the doctor's office. As I left the office that second morning, my doctor told me I "might have 20 years to live".
I tested my urine with litmus paper, and took one injection of insulin a day.
I was given 3 lists of food choices: I was allowed nothing on list # 1 - a very long list, including anything with sugar (cookies, candy, cake, ice cream, etc. ) moderate choices from list # 2 (milk, fruits, vegetables, meats) and all I wanted from list #3 - radishes and lettuce.
I had my fasting blood glucose tested every 3 months - by having blood taken from my arm, and waiting at home for hours to get the results over the phone. My BG was 94 - and I was so excited - especially since I thought it would stay approximately the same for 3 months.
Yes, diabetes management has come a very long way!

Submitted by Joan L. Strauss (not verified) on

In reply to by Joan L. Strauss (not verified)

Edit: my "first" BG was 94 -

Submitted by Judith Wigdortz (not verified) on

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I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and am now almost 74! I started using a mini meg pump in 1998 and am now using the 770G.

Submitted by Nicole (not verified) on

In reply to by Judith Wigdortz (not verified)

Thanks for being such a long-time customer, Judith! You must be doing something right :)

Submitted by Sara Johanson (not verified) on

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I have had diabetes for 60 years. Since I have been on a Medtronic pump , my diabetes has been under the best control possible. I am hypoglycemic unaware, and used a Medtronic sensor to help keep my diabetes under control. Now i am using Medicare, and the sensors are not covered. Unfortunately i cannot afford to stay on the sensors , so i am using a covered sensor and my Medtronic 670G. Hopefully the sensors will be covered soon. Until then, i will use the pump, and wait for the sensors. Thankyou Medtronic for an accurate, reliable and easy to yse pump .

Submitted by Loren Hickok (not verified) on

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Great article here! Having only be a T1D for 15 short years I have already experienced changes in the therapy. It makes me eager to see what will be approved and rolled out over the NEXT 15 years!

Submitted by Harry Buntman (not verified) on

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Love your article it relates to myself pretty close I was on at 508 m and the same color below. The new meter is fantastic however like myself most people can’t afford the sensors we can get the pump but not the sensors. There’s no insurance when you’re on Medicare if that will cover it and the cost is too high. Being on a fixed income and barely make your daily needs for food medicine and so forth on what you receive from Social Security. It would be great if there is a program that would cover the sensors

Submitted by Nicole (not verified) on

In reply to by Harry Buntman (not verified)

Actually, there is, Harry. Please give our therapy specialists a call at 800.646.4633, option 3 to learn more about our CGM Access program.

Submitted by Marlys Atter (not verified) on

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Interesting article and very factual. I became a Type 1 diabetic in 1963. I shudder when I recall the glass syringes and large bore needles in use at that time. Urine testing was not an accurate measure of glucose control, as the renal threshold was high. I've used Medtronic pumps (and now sensors) for 25 years.....as the saying goes, "We've come a long way, Baby!)

Submitted by Cheryl (not verified) on

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How about having for 59 years like my brother, who got diabetes when he was 5! Or, me 52 years, when I was 12. We used to have glass syringes, we had to boil everyday! Or using litmus paper to urinate on to check sugar levels!
Other problems stemmed from going out on dates, and your date drinking a coke. Wasn't diet cokes back then! My mom was pretty creative with treats at Easter and Christmas. We would get money or toys instead of candy!
When we were diagnosed, diabetics life span was around 25 years! Not complaining, we are very thankful for the technology, that has come about and that we both have lived way past the 25 year mark! God is good!

Submitted by Michele (not verified) on

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I was diagnosed with my first pregnancy 27 years ago with gestational at the time. Was asked numerous of times if I had diabetes and I didn’t know. After being tested by the Mayo Clinic to what type of diabetes I had was the question thru the years. They diagnosed me with Brittle diabetes. When they would test to see if I was type one or two it would come back positive on both . Now having the pump has saved my life daily because of the extreme change in my BG all day and night it’s able to alert me before crashing amd preventing diabetic coma
Thank goodness for the medical technology that we finally have today.!! Have my insulin pump has saved my life !

Submitted by Monica Krings (not verified) on

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My blood sugars are still all over the place. I would like the new 770g, but it seems I can not have it until 2022. Why is this when I seriously need the best there is?

Submitted by Nicole (not verified) on

In reply to by Monica Krings (not verified)

Monica, we offer several in-warranty upgrade options. If you'd like to learn more, please give our team a call at 800.646.4633 option #3. You can also learn more about your options by logging into your online account.

Submitted by Marti Daniels (not verified) on

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I have had TD1 for 57 years in May. I was on NPH, 1 shot per day, U-40. I tested with little test tubes, and checked ketones with a little table. It was quite embarrassing when in middle school. I attended a diabetic camp at Swope Park in Kansas City. Still have my sterilizer and glass syringe. I used litmus, strips, U-80, plastic syringes, U -100. , and 8 shots a day. My pump was freedom . Medtronics CGM was even better. Thankfully, Medtronic has helped out with this, as CGM is not covered.
I now have my 770, and I love it.

This was a great read on how the treatment of diabetes has evolved over the years. Great work.

I was diagnosed with T1D when I was 11 and I am now almost 81 (70 year T1D and have been thru probably all the changes. I used to sharpen needles by boiling and sharpen with a fine stone. The hooked that developed used to be fun. ( like getting a small fishhook in you. Any blood test done was done at a doctors office and took a week to get back (+/-). And there was protamine Zinc insulin which most people have never heard of. And without blood testing you tested urine for sugar levels which are 3 hours behind.
I have hundreds of stories thru the years on my T1D and actually was very active in sports
And the outdoors . I actually have had a very good life and still do almost everything with minimum complications mainly minor retinopathy which is being treated with Eyelea (not sure of spelling) 3 shots over 2 years.
I am now on Medtronic’s 770g pump and glad I am a tech person which helps out. Basically this is light years away from where I started.
Anybody who would like to communicate with me can leave a message here.


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