This article will be of particular interest to advanced diabetes patients, especially parents of children with diabetes, who are generally better informed than the broader diabetes community.
A completely new insulin pump called Twiist has emerged in the United States. Small and round in shape, it automatically corrects both high and low blood sugar levels thanks to its integration with continuous glucose monitoring sensors.
The Twiist Insulin Pump
What makes this especially noteworthy is the immediate integration with the current FreeStyle Libre 3 sensor, and soon, with the implantable Senseonics sensor that lasts an entire year. But that’s not all.
FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus Sensor
Now Ketones Too – Thanks to Abbott!
You may have already heard that Abbott’s next-generation sensors are designed to include ketone tracking. We’ve heard occasional mentions of this at conferences, but nothing concrete - until now.
Why is ketone integration such a breakthrough?
While insulin pumps offer numerous advantages, they also come with certain risks. One of the most serious is an increased likelihood of developing diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a life-threatening condition. This heightened risk stems from the absence of long-acting insulin in pump users, who rely solely on rapid-acting insulin.
If the pump malfunctions or the infusion set becomes blocked, blood sugar can quickly rise, and with it, the risk of DKA escalates rapidly.
When blood sugar is high, we know the drill: take insulin, hydrate, perhaps engage in light physical activity to enhance insulin sensitivity - all in an effort to bring glucose back to normal levels.
However, when ketone levels also begin to rise and reach a certain threshold, it’s time to seek emergency care!!
If you are ill at the same time, the situation becomes even more critical, and every technological aid becomes invaluable.
Where is the Twiist insulin pump available?
At present, the Twiist pump is approved for sale exclusively in the United States. Nonetheless, its presentation at the European ATTD Conference, along with unofficial whispers during a charity gala hosted by a children’s association in Amsterdam, suggest that European approval is likely on the horizon 😊
Twiist insulin pump
Conclusion
Someone had a very clever idea: to pair an insulin pump - known for its increased risk of DKA - with a continuous ketone monitoring system 😊 This innovation will make it easier to recognize when home management is sufficient and when it’s time to head to the emergency room.
Furthermore, this official announcement of a partnership between Twiist and Abbott regarding ketone tracking indicates that the next generation of Libre sensors may be closer than we think.
Wishing us all the best 😊
P.S. The cover image was sourced from diabetech.info.
