Many people with diabetes are still required to manually record their insulin doses, while often only achieving normal blood glucose control for just about half of the day *1. A Swedish study conducted by Novo Nordisk from 2017-2018 showed that, in a real-world setting, using the NovoPen 6 smart insulin pen to administer insulin can give people with type 1 diabetes up to two extra hours of glycaemic control per day *2.

The new NovoPen 6 and NovoPen Echo Plus which offer digital connectivity to help improve the lives of people living with diabetes are now available in Ireland. The smart insulin pens automatically record accurate insulin dosing data, such as the date and time of doses, alongside blood glucose monitoring. People with diabetes can access their own data and share it simply with their diabetes care team, allowing for more productive and informative conversations on better health.

“Digital health tools such as the smart insulin pen will improve diabetes management by empowering patients with data”. Professor Derek O’Keeffe, Consultant Endocrinologist at University Hospital Galway (UHG) and Professor of Medical Device Technology at the National University of Ireland Galway.

Although Diabetes Ireland is disappointed that these pens are not yet available through the HSE Reimbursement Scheme, we are pleased to see the new NovoPens available in Ireland and provide further choice to people with diabetes.

“Technology is rapidly changing the way we manage and live with diabetes, mainly Type 1 diabetes, and is enabling us to manage our condition better and achieve better long-term outcomes. The availability of new technologies, such as Smart Insulin pens, further enables us to achieve better clinical and quality of life outcomes each day and is a welcome diabetes tool in Ireland”. Dr Kate Gajewska, Clinical Manager for Advocacy and Research, Diabetes Ireland

NovoPen 6 and NovoPen Echo Plus are now available to purchase in pharmacies. Speak to your diabetes team on what technology is best suited to you and your needs.

To find out more information on smart insulin pens, visit: https://www.diabeteswhatsnext.com/ie/en/treatments/Smartpens.html

For more information on living with diabetes and support available to you today, visit: https://www.diabetes.ie/

References:

1. Beck RW, et al. Validation of time in range as an outcome measure for diabetes clinical trials. Diabetes Care. 2019;42:400-405.
2. Adolfsson P, et al. Increased time in range and fewer missed bolus injections after introduction of a smart connected insulin pen. Diabetes Technol Ther2020; 22 (10): 709-718.