While healthcare has been improving in leaps and bounds, there have been innovations in fashion as well as technology to help those with diabetes in their everyday lives. We’ve highlighted some interesting ones that are definitely stylish and convenient!

KYT Bags

Keeping your diabetes equipment together can be a hassle especially when you are always on the go. Inspired by her own experience, Bridget Scanlan has invented KYT Bags to keep your diabetes equipment with poise and elegance. From the outside, it may seem like any other leather bag but once you unzip it unveils all the equipment that you need, making your daily care easier.

Unites fashion with function

This bag has a dual purpose, it does not only provide compartments to keep your diabetes equipment but also another one to keep your life essentials.

Pouch to keep your everyday essentials

Bridget Scanlan designer and founder of KYT Bags

The bag is handcrafted in top-grain leather and finished with premium brass accents and hardware. Thus, if there is any blood that dripped, it is easier to wipe it off without leaving any stain.

KYT Crossbody has changed the lives of many worldwide, including Japan, UK, USA and Canada. This invention has received many design accolades including a silver in New Zealand’s premiere design awards, The Best Awards, for the design that empowers people and communities. Each bag sale profit will be contributed towards supporting Beyond Type 1 – empowering not only the individual, but the wider diabetes community.

KYT Bags can be purchased at https://kytbags.com.

Retinopathy Mask

Long-term high blood glucose can deprive the retina of oxygen and cause growth of weak blood vessels that leak, all of which impairs vision. The current treatments for the condition, known as diabetic retinopathy: injectable drugs, laser therapy, and surgery. But in the future, you may be able to treat it while you sleep. PolyPhotonix’s Noctura 400 Sleep Mask emits low-level light through your eyelids during slumber, which the company claims reduces the amount of oxygen the eyes need during the night and minimises the growth of weakened vessels. (More research is needed to determine whether this technology can effectively treat diabetic retinopathy.) Right now, it’s available only in the United Kingdom, but PolyPhotonix has submitted the product for FDA review to ensure its safe use for those with diabetes.

Implantable CGM

Not a fan of replacing your CGM sensor every week? In the future, you might go as long as three months between sensor changes. Senseonics’ system includes a 90-day, pill-sized sensor that’s inserted beneath the skin of the upper arm and a removable transmitter (a bit larger than traditional CGM transmitters) that rests just above, on top of the skin. Using fluorescent technology, the sensor monitors glucose, then wirelessly sends the data to the transmitter. That, in turn, sends data to a smartphone app. Sensor insertion and removal are done by a doctor during a short office visit. Within 24 hours, users can begin getting readings, and within 48 hours the insertion site will be fully healed. This future gadget is a must-have for diabetes patients.

Dual-purpose contact lens

How about contact lenses that measure glucose in tears? Unbelievable? Tech giant Google and contact lens manufacturer Alcons have created a contact lens that has the ability to measure glucose in tears. It will work something like this: A super-small sensor and thinner-than-hair antenna will be embedded between two soft contacts. A small hole in the lens will let tears reach the sensor, which will determine a glucose value, once per second if the researchers get their way. Then, the data will be wirelessly transferred to a mobile device for monitoring. It is a valuable product for those with diabetes. Although researchers have conducted human trials on what the companies are calling the “smart lens,” there’s still a long way to go.

Based on the products mentioned about, diabetes management has definitely shifted from the traditional method. However, it is important to consult with your doctor on any changes in management styles to ensure that it is safe for you.

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Photo Credits: KYT, PolyPhotonix and Senseonics