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  Over the past few decades, technology has been striving to keep up with a growing number of diabetic patients. New advances  are taking the time and hassle out of managing diabetes

  Some patients wear an insulin pump, but still have to check their blood sugar levels several times a day. But new technology that allows meters and pumps to communicate wirelessly with each other may make the process easier. After patients prick their fingers and the glucose meter reads blood sugar levels, it sends that reading wirelessly to the pump. A calculator figures the correct dose, the patient o-k's it, and the pump delivers the right amount of insulin.

  The wireless meter-pump system is now available to both type-one and type-two diabetics. Good candidates for insulin pumps are knowledgeable about their disease, willing to monitor glucose levels regularly and able to learn how the technology works.

  Some diabetics are now using glucose sensors that constantly monitor blood sugar levels. Every few minutes, the sensor takes a blood sugar reading. If the patient's sugars are too high or low, an alarm sounds.

   Unfortunately, insulin pumps don't work for everyone. Another option is an injection port which takes away the need for so may daily needle sticks. The port stays in place for three days before it must be changed out.  The plastic injection port is available through prescription only.