Smart insulin pens versus traditional insulin pens

Did I remember to bolus?

How much insulin should I dose for 40 g of carbs?

How much insulin on board do I have left over from lunch?

If you manage your diabetes with multiple daily injections (MDI), you’ve probably asked yourself these questions at some point. Constant mental math and tracking logbooks can be a full-time job, and whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been managing diabetes for years, understanding the tools available to you can make a significant impact on your daily routine and overall health.
Your biggest tool is your insulin pen. Find out the difference between smart insulin pens and traditional insulin pens.
 

What is a smart insulin pen?

Smart insulin pens are the latest innovation to insulin injections, designed to offer more control and insights into your diabetes management. These pens maintain the key features of traditional insulin injections but with an extra layer of technology that can help relieve the mental burden that comes with tracking, mathing, and dosing!
 

Key features of traditional insulin injections

Half-unit dosing

Half-dosing is when you administer 0.5-unit increments of insulin instead of the more common 1-unit increments. Having the ability to dose smaller amounts allows better dosing precision, especially for insulin-sensitive people living with diabetes. It also means more accuracy for carb matching small snacks (i.e., 10–15 g).
 

Reusable cartridges

Smart insulin pens have reusable cartridges, which are more cost-effective in the long term. While the initial cost of the reusable pen may be higher, over time, cartridges are usually cheaper than full disposable pens. That makes them more eco-friendly as well!
While traditional pens lack the technological enhancements of smart pens, they remain a dependable choice for many. They are often favored for their simplicity and ease of use, especially for those who prefer not to rely on technology for their diabetes management.
 

Benefits of smart insulin pens

Bluetooth® connectivity

One of the standout features of smart insulin pens is their ability to connect via Bluetooth® to your smartphone. This connection allows the pen to send data to the mobile app to log and track your insulin dosing automatically, providing a comprehensive view of your insulin usage over time. On the other hand, traditional insulin injections require manual logging, which can be time-consuming and prone to errors.
 

Missed dose detection and alerts

It's easy to forget an injection, especially when life gets busy. Smart insulin pens, like the InPen™ smart insulin pen, help by detecting missed doses and sending alerts to remind you. This feature can prevent highs and lows in your blood sugar — something traditional pens can't do.
 

App integration with dose calculator

The smart insulin pen pairs with an app that includes a dose calculator, providing personalized dosing recommendations based on your current glucose levels and insulin on board. This integration simplifies the decision-making process and can be especially helpful for those new to insulin therapy.
 

Glucose monitoring and correction notifications

Smart pens take monitoring a step further by detecting high glucose levels and sending correction notifications. This proactive approach helps you manage your diabetes more effectively, while traditional injections rely on external glucose monitoring devices.
 

Temperature alerts

Insulin is sensitive to temperature changes, and smart pens can alert you if your insulin gets too hot. This feature ensures the effectiveness of your insulin, while traditional pens require manual checks and storage precautions.
 

Report generation

Smart pens can generate detailed reports that you can email to your healthcare team, facilitating better communication and management of your diabetes. Traditional injections require manual notetaking and reporting, which can be cumbersome.
 

Smart insulin pens versus traditional insulin pens

For some, traditional insulin injections have been a reliable method for managing diabetes. These pens offer half-unit dosing and are reusable with insulin cartridges, providing a straightforward approach to insulin delivery. For most, smart insulin pens, like the InPen™ smart insulin pen, reduce the mental burden that comes with managing diabetes through multiple daily injections.
 

Choosing the right tool for you

Deciding between a smart insulin pen and traditional insulin injections depends on your lifestyle, personal preferences, and comfort with technology. If you are looking for a tool that provides more insights, reminders, and integration with digital health platforms, a smart insulin pen might be the way to go. However, if you prefer a straightforward method without all the bells and whistles, traditional injections remain a solid choice.

Ultimately, both options aim to provide effective insulin delivery, helping you maintain control over your diabetes. It's essential to discuss your options with your healthcare provider to determine the best fit for your needs.

Important Safety Information: InPen smart insulin pen system

The InPen system is a reusable insulin pen for people living with diabetes. It can be used to deliver insulin, help calculate insulin doses, and estimate carbohydrates for meals. Those under the age of 7 should only use the device with an adult’s supervision. A healthcare provider must prescribe InPen, provide dosage settings, and discuss all potential benefits and risks. Using the device with incorrect therapy settings may lead to severe highs and lows. The InPen should not be used by those unable to test blood glucose levels or the visually impaired. For additional product and important safety information, click here.