AI-Powered Diabetes Assistants: Smarter Insulin Decisions, Better Lives!

D-coding the Article- : Artificial Intelligence in Decision Support Systems for Type 1 Diabetes

Published Date:

5 June, 2020

Published By:

Nichole S. Tyler and Peter G. Jacobs

Approved By:

To be

Decoded By:

Asra H. Ahmed
MBA, PGCE in Assessment Learning disability, Diabesties Foundation

10 mins to read

  • The T1D Takeaway
  • New research shows AI-powered diabetes assistants help people with Type 1 Diabetes make smarter insulin decisions, reducing lows—especially at night and after exercise. While not as advanced as insulin pumps, these smart tools could revolutionize diabetes care, making life easier and safer for more people.

Word Wizard

Artificial Intelligence
Decision support
Insulin advisor
  • Heart health is a key priority for people living with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D), as they face a higher risk of heart disease—even with well-managed blood sugar.
  • The American Standard of Care recommend regular screenings of Blood pressure, cholesterol, and heart health should be checked regularly to catch risks early.
  • To further reduce the risk, people living with Type 1 Diabetes should be encouraged to adopt heart-healthy habits.
  • This includes prioritizing nutritious foods rich in fiber and healthy fats while limiting processed foods and excess sugar. 
  • Regular physical activity, even simple movements like walking, supports both heart health and glucose control.
  • For those at risk of high blood pressure or cholesterol issues, heart-friendly medications may be beneficial under medical guidance.
  • Additionally, managing stress and ensuring quality sleep play a crucial role in maintaining both blood sugar levels and overall cardiovascular health.
  • T1D management is not just about glucose—heart health must be a top priority for long-term well-being.

Summary Snap
Shots

AI technology is transforming Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) management by helping with insulin adjustments and predicting low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) before it happens. Researchers reviewed 61 studies testing AI-powered diabetes tools, using real people, computer simulations, and clinical trials to assess their effectiveness. The results suggest that AI can make diabetes management easier by reducing the risk of dangerous blood sugar swings. While these tools don’t replace doctors, they provide valuable support for daily decision-making, helping people with T1D manage their condition more effectively.

Prime Insight

Managing Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) requires frequent insulin adjustments, with many relying on manual methods like insulin pumps (CSII) or multiple daily injections (MDI), despite the availability of Automated Insulin Delivery (AID) systems, often due to cost, convenience, or personal preference.

Decision Support Systems (DSSs) are AI-powered tools that help people with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) manage insulin and blood sugar levels by providing personalized recommendations.

T1D management is complex, as insulin needs change based on food, activity, stress, and other factors. Since doctors adjust insulin infrequently, DSSs offer real-time support between visits.

AI-based Decision Support Systems (DSSs) can provide insulin dose recommendations with 67–92% accuracy, matching doctor decisions.

They have also successfully reduced hypoglycemia, especially overnight and after exercise.

Some DSSs adjust insulin doses for meals, corrections, and basal needs, while others predict and prevent hypoglycemia, especially at night or during exercise.

DSSs use mathematical models, machine learning, and smartphone apps to analyze past data and give insulin and glucose control advice.

DSSs can reduce hypoglycemia and provide insulin recommendations as accurate as doctors, but they don’t yet improve overall glucose control as well as Automated Insulin Delivery (AID) systems.

Many DSSs haven’t been tested in real-world settings or in special cases like pregnancy and exercise. AI-based food tracking and better support for low-literacy users are needed.

This suggests that AI could offer real-time, personalized diabetes management, improving safety and control—even for those without access to expensive Automated Insulin Delivery (AID) systems.

With CGMs and smartphone es becoming more accessible, DSSs could provide affordable diabetes management for those who can’t afford AID systems. Large studies like the T1-Dexi Study are collecting real-world CGM, insulin, and exercise data, which will improve AI-based DSSs.

Future DSSs may optimize exercise strategies to improve blood sugar control, rather than just preventing lows. AI may eventually refine insulin dosing strategies by adjusting meal bolus timing and personalized basal settings throughout the day.

  • A Deeper Dive
  • The Sources Voice

We have provided a comprehensive review of DSS algorithms that provide insulin dosing recommendations to people using MDI or CSII therapy and DSS forecasting algorithms that provide real-time alerts and notifications with regards to predicted glucose excursions and especially hypoglycemia.

  • Curiosities Clarified

Yes! Some AI-powered Decision Support Systems (DSSs) provide insulin advice with 67–92% accuracy, matching doctor recommendations.

Yes! DSSs reduce nighttime and exercise-related lows, making diabetes management safer and more predictable.

Not yet! AI-based DSSs help with insulin decisions but don’t improve long-term glucose control as well as AID systems (like insulin pumps).

 

Yes! DSSs could help people who can’t afford expensive AID systems by providing affordable insulin guidance through smartphone apps and smart pens.