If you have diabetes, you already know the importance of controlling your blood sugar every day. But careful management often means frequent finger prinks and insulin shots. Recently, researchers have developed new ways to minimize the pain from those pricks and shots, according to the August issue of Mayo Clinic Health Letter. Another lancet can be used on the thigh, palm or abdomen, giving fingertips a break. Other systems are being tested, including a glucose-monitoring device that is worn like a watch and a patch that changes color as it draws glucose through the skin.
Research is ongoing on oral insulin and skin patches.
Ask your physician if any of the new methods of glucose monitoring and insulin delivery would work for you.