SMART Insulin pens are here!
Smart devices have crept into most aspects of our lives. From smart lightbulbs to smart barbecues, it’s only fitting that our insulin pens are now smart too!
Smart Pens are reusable insulin pens that log insulin doses for you, sending them to an app on your phone.
They can also be integrated with continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices, allowing you to access insulin information together with CGM data. This is referred to as smart multiple daily injections or a Smart MDI system.
INpEN
Medtronic launched the INpEN in Australia in August 2023. The INpEN and smart app system connects via Bluetooth® to track active insulin, offer a carb calculator and send dose reminders.
The INpEN system is designed to work together with Medtronics Guardian 4 continuous glucose monitoring system. You will need to connect the Gurdian app with the INpEN app to have one integrated view of logged insulin doses and CGM data.
The INpEN can also deliver half unit doses and send notifications when exposed to temperatures outside of insulin storage recommendations.
In Australia the INpEN is only compatible with NovoRapid or Fiasp cartridges.
Pros
- Can deliver half unit doses for more flexibility
- Temperature notifications when detects a very high or very low temperature
- Inbuilt dose calculator
Cons
- Not rechargeable – pen replacement needed after 1 year
- Cost – $195 exclusive to Medtronic CGM users
- Only compatible with rapid acting insulin
NovoPen 6
Novo Nordisk launched NovoPen 6 in June 2023. The NovoPen 6 records insulin dosing information using Near-field communication (NFC). This is the same technology you would use to make contactless payments with your phone.
NovoPen 6 is designed to work with Abbots Freestyle libre continuous glucose monitoring system. Tapping your NovoPen 6 to your compatible smart phone will transfer the information across to the LibreLink app.
NovoPen 6 is compatible with all Novo Nordisk Penfill cartridges.
Pros
- NovoPen® 6 can be supplied (free of charge) to patients prescribed a Novo Nordisk Penfill® from any pharmacy participating in the NovoPen® 6 Pharmacy Program.
- Pharmacies participating in the program (NovoPen® 6 Network Pharmacies) can be found via the online pharmacy locator here
- Replaceable battery
- Digital display on the pen for quick access to last dose information
Cons
- Only available in one colour. If you were wanting to use two pens, one for long acting and one for short acting insulin, you would need to clearly label the pens yourself.
- No half unit option
These technological advancements are always exciting. I especially see the benefits of using smart pens in the school setting for young people living with Type 1 diabetes and for those in supported care settings, living with cognitive disabilities or cognitive decline.
We hope more smart insulin pens become available in Australia that support other brands of insulin soon.
Cynthia Ziebell
Credentialled Diabetes Nurse Educator
Cynthia has been a Credentialed Diabetes Educator since 2016 and has experience working across a variety of roles in the diabetes landscape, from assisting in the delivery of clinical trials to providing outreach services to Aboriginal communities across remote central Queensland. She delivers group education programs for both health professionals and people living with diabetes at Diabetes Victoria.
She loves spending time with friends and family and traveling whenever she gets the chance.
