When Tech Fails: Why Every Person with Diabetes Needs a Back-up Plan
Technology has changed the way many people manage diabetes. Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), insulin pumps, smart insulin pens, automated insulin delivery systems, and mobile apps can provide helpful information and make some daily tasks easier.
But even the most advanced technology can have problems. Devices can lose power, sensors may stop working, pump sites can fail, phones may break, and apps can lose their connection. Technology is a helpful tool, but it should not be the only tool available.
What Could Go Wrong
Diabetes technology may stop working because of:
- A dead battery or lost charger
- A damaged or expired sensor
- A blocked, leaking, or disconnected pump site
- A lost or damaged phone
- Bluetooth, internet, or app connection problems
- A software update or device error
- Extreme heat, cold, or water exposure
When a device fails, it may be stressful. Having a plan in place can help you respond more quickly and safely.
Build Your Diabetes Back-up Plan
Your back-up plan should be based on the devices and medications you use. Work with your diabetes care team to decide what you may need and how to use it.
Consider keeping these items available:
- A blood glucose meter, test strips, and a lancing device
- Extra batteries, chargers, or charging cables
- Extra CGM sensors, pump supplies, infusion sets, or adhesive patches
- Insulin pens or syringes, if included in your care plan
- Fast-acting glucose, such as glucose tablets or gel
- Ketone testing supplies, if recommended by your care team
- A current list of medications, insulin doses, pump settings, and emergency contacts
If you use an insulin pump, ask your care team what to do if the pump stops delivering insulin. Your plan may include using insulin injections until the problem is fixed. Do not wait until a device failure to learn your back-up doses or how to give insulin another way.
It is also helpful to keep important settings written down or saved somewhere other than your phone. This may include basal rates, insulin-to-carbohydrate ratios, correction factors, glucose targets, and medication doses.
Know Who To Contact
When diabetes technology fails, having your support contacts ready before an emergency happens can save precious time and reduce stress. Every major device manufacturer maintains a 24/7 technical support line staffed by trained representatives who can troubleshoot malfunctions, arrange emergency device replacements, and walk you through backup plans if your device fails overnight or on a weekend. Save these numbers directly in your phone, and consider keeping a printed copy in your diabetes supply kit in case your phone isn’t accessible.
Beyond the manufacturer, check whether your doctor’s office has an after-hours or on-call line for urgent clinical questions, since technology failures often come with medical decisions attached, such as how to temporarily manage blood glucose without your pump or sensor. If your doctor’s office does not provide such a service, it’s worth finding out whether your insurance company offers a 24/7 emergency nurse line. Many plans include one so you have a knowledgeable resource to call if a question comes.
Practice Before You Need It
A back-up plan works best when you understand it. Check your supplies regularly and replace anything that is expired. Make sure your glucose meter works and that you know how to use it. Family members, caregivers, teachers, or trusted friends may also benefit from knowing where supplies are kept and how they can help.
Technology may continue to improve, but occasional problems are always possible. Preparing for them does not mean giving up the convenience of diabetes technology. It means having another path forward when your usual tools are temporarily unavailable.
Learn More About Diabetes Technology
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The best back-up plan is one you create before you need it. A few extra supplies, written instructions, and a conversation with your diabetes care team can help you feel prepared when technology does not work as expected.
Author: Kelley Soucy, RN, CDCES | CCS Health
This site is for educational purposes only. Talk to your doctor or healthcare provider before making any decisions about your health.
