Back to College: How a Connected Insulin Pen Helps a Young Adult Manage Diabetes Away From Home

Managing diabetes in college comes with unique challenges and necessitates careful planning. A connected insulin pen lets college students with diabetes autonomously manage and improve their blood sugar.

Also known as “smart pens,” connected insulin pens are cutting-edge diabetes-management tools. By integrating with mobile apps, connected insulin pens provide:

• Real-time data tracking
• Tailored dosing insights
• Reminders

Before You Go: Plan Ahead Before Starting College

• There are approximately 19.21 million college students in the U.S.
• Based on a prevalence rate of one in every 300 people having type 1 diabetes, it is likely that an estimated 64,000 college students have the disease.
• Effective diabetes management is crucial for college students to maintain their academic performance, physical health, and overall well-being.
• Before enrolling at a college, students with diabetes should:
  • Schedule an appointment with their endocrinologist or primary care physician.
    • To go over every aspect of the student’s medical care
    • To provide the student with information on certain areas that they may not have previously considered.
  • Have all of the supplies needed to manage their diabetes while at school.
  • Have a Section 504 Plan.
    • This ensures the student with diabetes receives the necessary accommodations and support, such as:
      • Extended time for exams
      • Permission to test blood-sugar levels during class
      • Access to snacks, and
      • Flexibility with assignments and deadlines during health-related emergencies.

What is a Connected Insulin Pen, and Why Should a College Student Consider One?

Throughout their hectic college days, a connected insulin pen can help students more effectively manage their diabetes, freeing them up to concentrate on their academics and social lives.

For young adults, connected insulin pens simplify diabetes management,  and provide valuable insights for better blood-sugar control.

A connected insulin pen is a smart device that:

• Tracks insulin doses, and
• Shares the information with a smartphone app.

A connected insulin pen:

• Automatically logs each injection.
• Reminds you when to take your insulin.
• Helps avoid missed doses.
• Shows trends and gives insights into your blood-sugar levels.

What Are the Key Features of a Connected Insulin Pen?

• Dose Calculation: Based on current blood-sugar levels, carbohydrate amounts, meal size, active insulin, and doctor-prescribed settings.
• Reminders and Alerts: To help prevent skipped or missed doses.
• Data Tracking: To record the time and amount of each dose.
• Expiration Notifications: For when insulin has expired or exceeded temperature limits.
• Integration with Health Platforms: Works with smartphones, watches, and popular diabetes data tracking apps.
• Easier Carb Counting: Some connected insulin pens offer dose calculator modes for fixed doses or meal-based dosing.
• Cost-Effective Alternative: Similar features to insulin pumps without the higher cost or device attachment.

Recommendations for Selecting the Right Connected Insulin Pen

When selecting a connected insulin pen, consider the following recommendations:

• Compatibility with Your Insulin Type
  • Ensure the pen is compatible with the type of insulin you use (rapid-acting, long-acting, or both).
  • Some pens work with both insulin analogs and human insulins.
• Dose Accuracy and Half-Unit Increments
  • Look for pens that offer precise dosing in half-unit increments.
  • Accurate dosing is crucial for effective diabetes management.
• Ease of Use and Intuitive Interface
  • Choose a pen with a user-friendly interface and clear instructions.
  • Intuitive app navigation simplifies dose tracking and data entry.
• Bluetooth Connectivity and Data Syncing
  • Opt for a pen that syncs data to your smartphone or other devices.
  • This allows seamless tracking of doses, trends, and insulin usage.
• App Features
  • Explore app features such as dose history, reminders, and insulin expiration alerts.
  • Some apps also provide carb counting assistance.
• Battery Life and Charging
  • Check the pen’s battery life and charging options.
  • A long-lasting battery ensures uninterrupted use.
• Cost and Insurance Coverage
  • Consider the cost of the pen and whether insurance covers it.
  • Some manufacturers offer co-pay assistance programs.

Tips for Managing Diabetes with a Connected Insulin Pen in College

• Establish a Routine
  • Schedule Sync: Match insulin doses with meal times and class schedules.
  • Reminder Alerts: Set alarms or app notifications for dose times.
  • Routine Check-Ins: Regularly review blood- sugar levels and adjust doses if needed.
  • Emergency Plan: Always carry extra supplies for unexpected situations.
• Utilize Technology
  • Data Tracking: Use app features to log doses, meals, and blood-sugar levels.
  • Customize Reminders: Set personalized alerts for doses and blood-sugar checks.
  • Analytical Insights: Review trends and patterns to effectively adjust dosing.
  • Sync with Healthcare Team: Share app data for informed consultations.
• Seek Support:
  • When using a smart insulin pen at college, accessing campus health services and peer support groups is crucial.
  • They provide medical guidance, ensure proper insulin management, and offer emotional support.
  • Connecting with these resources fosters a supportive environment vital for managing diabetes effectively away from home.

What Are the Existing Connected Insulin Pen Types?

THE LILLY TEMPO PEN

• CGM Connectivity: Dexcom
• BGM Connectivity: Tempo Blood Glucose Meter; Accu-Chek Aviva Connect, Accu-Chek Guide, Accu-Chek Instant, Contournext One, OneTouch Verio Flex, and OneTouch Verio Reflect
• Compatible Insulin Types
• Humalog (insulin lispro):
• Basaglar (insulin glargine):
• Lyumjev (insulin lispro-aabc):

THE INPEN

• CGM Connectivity: Guardian Connect
• BGM Connectivity: Has Bluetooth connectivity with the Bigfoot Blood Glucose Meter and can also be used with the Freestyle Libre CGM. The InPen app can also connect to Bluetooth-compatible blood glucose meters on Apple devices.
• Compatible Insulin Types:
  • NovoLog (insulin aspart):
  • Fiasp (insulin aspart):
  • Humalog

THE NOVOPEN ECHO

• CGM Connectivity: Dexcom
• Compatible Insulin Types:
  • NovoLog
  • Fiasp

THE UNITY PEN

• CGM Connectivity: Dexcom G6, Libre CGMs
• BGM Connectivity: Bigfoot Blood Glucose Meters.
• Compatible Insulin Types:
  • NovoLog
  • NovoRapid

Connected Insulin Pens: Streamlining Diabetes Management in Young Adults Away from Home

Using connected insulin pens in college streamlines diabetes management by tracking doses, meals, and blood-sugar levels with precision.

These devices empower students to take proactive control of their health, offering real-time data insights and reminders that integrate seamlessly into busy schedules.

Embracing technology solutions like smart pens not only enhances daily management but also fosters independence and confidence in handling diabetes effectively while navigating academic and social demands.

This content was made possible by Lilly, a Founding Partner of Beyond Type 2.
Beyond Type 2 maintains editorial control over its content.

WRITTEN BY Daniel Trecroci, POSTED 07/24/24, UPDATED 07/24/24

Dan has written about diabetes for more than 20 years. He was one of Diabetes Health's first recruits, and throughout his 10 + years as Managing Editor he wrote/published thousands of articles and helped establish Diabetes Health as the premiere resource for people with diabetes. He later became the Content Manager for OneTouchGold—Johnson & Johnson/LifeScan’s official digital publication for its metering-technology customers. Under his leadership, OneTouchGold received the Web Marketing Association’s award for “Best Health & Wellness" web site. Dan has also written for the Diabetes Research Institute, dLife, diaTribe, Healthline, CareDx, Pendulum Therapeutics, and Hero Bread.