Managing diabetes with smart solutions
A new generation of technologies enables real-time monitoring and therapy adjustment, putting diabetes management directly into the hands of users.
Diabetes in numbers
The number of people living with diabetes in Slovenia continues to rise — in 2023, approximately 149,000 individuals were registered, representing nearly 7% of adults aged 20 to 79. Of these, 90–95% have type 2 diabetes, while 5–10% are type 1 cases.
Given the high burden on individuals, society, and the healthcare system, it has become essential to introduce solutions that support early detection, more effective treatments, and better-integrated care.
Technological progress — including glucose sensors, insulin pumps, and AI-based solutions — is dramatically improving the precision of treatment and simplifying daily disease management. Research shows that these innovations not only lead to better glycaemic outcomes, but also hold strong potential to transform diabetes care in the future.
Four common areas of innovation
Smart insulin pens
These devices automatically record insulin doses, connect with mobile applications, and enable precise therapy tracking without manual logging.
Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems
CGM devices provide real-time data on glucose levels. Advanced hybrid closed-loop systems (AID) automate insulin regulation, improving glycaemic stability.
Telemedicine and AI-supported decision-making
Data integration into electronic health records (EHR) and the use of artificial intelligence for pattern analysis and predictive decision-support tools enable more personalised care.
Disease management apps
User-friendly mobile applications combine food intake, glucose, and insulin tracking, providing bolus calculators, reports, and reminders for easier self-management.
Digitalisation of care brings both opportunities and challenges
- Data protection remains a top priority — healthcare information must be handled in compliance with GDPR and the ethical principles of AI use, as any breach of trust can quickly undermine patient confidence.
- Initial investments in new technologies can be substantial, while the benefits — such as fewer complications and long-term savings — often become visible only after several years, making financing more complex.
- Inequality also poses a challenge: not all patients have the access or digital literacy needed to fully benefit from new solutions, even though telemedicine can help reduce geographical disparities in access to specialists.
- Changes in medical practice are another key factor — the role of physicians is shifting from direct, one-to-one contact to managing larger patient groups remotely, raising questions about the quality of the patient–doctor relationship and the preservation of holistic care.
Lifestyle and quality of life in diabetes
Managing diabetes is not only about extending life but also about improving its quality. Daily glucose monitoring and dietary management can cause psychological pressure (known as diabetes distress).
Modern technologies such as continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems have been shown to reduce stress, increase confidence in managing hypoglycaemia, and enhance satisfaction with treatment.
Real-time data sharing provides a sense of safety and supports emotional well-being — meaning that modern solutions not only add years to life, but also add life to years.
The future of diabetes management
The future of diabetes care lies in team-based, digitally supported approaches, where most consultations occur virtually, and data are accessible to both patients and healthcare professionals.
This enhances equity, patient empowerment, and active participation in treatment.
The vision of excellent care is built on the needs of people with diabetes, integrated health data, and technologies enabling autonomous, precise, and personalised therapy.
To make this possible, healthcare systems will also need to adopt modern, value-based care and financing models (VBHC).
