Advancements in eHealth Apps and DUKADA’s Response
eHealth apps – such as diabetes apps – have become increasingly sophisticated. Users of injection pens, including insulin pens, and their healthcare providers are seeking smart and connected solutions for their devices.
DUKADA recognized the need for a dose memory when we introduced our first product in 2015. However, at that time, the technology was not yet ready for an ingenious solution with storage and transfer of dose memory to connected devices.
This has changed with advancements in technology. Our newest product, DUKADA Sense, now connects injection pens with apps – such as diabetes apps for insulin pens. Read here for more information about DUKADA Sense.
Features of Injection Pens
We began with a mission to improve the daily lives of people with diabetes, helping them to “live smart with diabetes.”
In 2015, when DUKADA introduced its first product, DUKADA Trio, our focus was on a timer for disposable insulin pens. As a user-centric company, we incorporated additional user-friendly features into the DUKADA Trio Cap, such as a stabilizing grip and illumination of the injection site when needed. These solutions remain relevant today.
However, we’ve taken an extra step – still centered on user needs – and are now going beyond diabetes. Our new product, DUKADA Sense, is a customizable smart cap with IoT features designed for all types of injection pens, including insulin pens. DUKADA Sense is offered to pharmaceutical companies and injection pen manufacturers who want to enhance the functionality of their products and align with the trend towards eHealth systems.
Trends, smart Injection Pens connected to apps – such as diabetes apps
Since 2015, eHealth and connectivity with apps have increased their importance. On the diabetes area, connectivity was first relevant for glucometers and insulin pumps. These are by now often connected to diabetes apps. Now, the time has come for insulin pens. We think IoT-solutions here will set new standards for other types of injections pens.
Some reusable insulin pens with IoT-solutions have already been presented. And some companies have presented connectivity solutions for disposable pre-filled insulin pens. With our first focus on disposable injection pens we initially worked on IoT for the disposable pens. However, our solution also fit reusable pens.
Our timing has been helpful. The necessary technologies have gradually improved since we presented our first product in 2015.
But what is our IoT for injection pens all about?
We have developed prototypes of a connected version of the DUKADA Cap – DUKADA Sense – designed for injection pens such as insulin pens. Tailor-made versions are offered to pharmaceutical companies and injection pen manufacturers. Our solution detects, stores, and transfers data related to the time and dosage of injections as dialed, providing personalized user information and tailored warnings.
In developing DUKADA Sense, we have prioritized sustainability through low-power consumption, ease of use, and refined design. This commitment ensures that our solution is environmentally friendly, user-friendly, and elegantly crafted.
Our IoT solution is adaptable to all types of injection pens, including those for insulin and other medications, and works seamlessly with both reusable and disposable pens. It wirelessly transfers data related to the injection pen’s usage to devices such as mobile phones. On these devices, a diabetes app (when used with an insulin pen) receives and processes the information according to its specifications.
What Are the Benefits of IoT and Apps for Medication Management?
There are numerous medical apps on the market catering to various health conditions. Initially, users had to manually log data to benefit from these apps, but now they can receive information automatically and wirelessly. Our IoT solution transfers data automatically from injection pens – such as those used for insulin or other medications – into these advanced apps.
In other words, our solution serves as the important “missing link.” While it may sound technical, it offers many end-user benefits.
These benefits depend primarily on the apps connected to the injection pen.
The First Diabetes Logbook Apps
Initially, some diabetes apps simply stored information received from the insulin pen. The first step was recording the time of injections and the dosage administered each time. This was – and still is – helpful, as users no longer need to maintain a daily logbook to keep track of their insulin usage.
Moreover, these diabetes apps provide a convenient way to share insulin pen information with the user’s doctor. This makes it easier for users to take informed actions and for doctors to offer advice based on accurate data.
More Advanced Diabetes Apps – Towards Closed-Loop Systems for Insulin Pens
The benefits increase when diabetes apps receive information from other relevant devices, such as glucose meters. In the most advanced diabetes apps, users of insulin pens benefit from features approaching a “closed-loop system.” These apps provide continuous advice on how much insulin to dose and when to administer it.
However, all types of diabetes apps are important, as they enhance the quality of treatment with injection pens. Many users may prefer simpler solutions, like an automatic logbook, while others might opt for more advanced features.
For conditions other than diabetes, a logbook solution might be more relevant than the advanced solutions described here.
High-Tech User-Centric Focus
DUKADA is a high-tech, user-focused company. Usability and ease of use are the cornerstones of our design philosophy.
We expanded the number of user options with our first product, DUKADA Trio, and have continued this approach with our connected version, DUKADA Sense.