Insulin pen therapy is superior to vial and syringe with regard to more accurate insulin delivery, patient preference, adherence, and favorable health economics. In this issue of Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology, Sommavilla and Pietranera compare two generations of NovoPen, showing significant improvements in selecting and injecting the insulin dose as well as superior overall satisfaction with the newer versus older generation insulin pen among both experienced pen users and insulin-naïve patients. There are other potentially useful features that might be implemented and better-studied in future pen devices. These include insulin dose tracking, insulin error mitigation, and insulin dosing advice. Caring more effectively for the multitude of people impacted by the diabetes epidemic requires a new approach that will require "smarter," more "connected" devices.
© 2011 Diabetes Technology Society.