SugarStats makes it simple to virtually track, monitor and share key statistics to help manage your diabetes online. Here's your chance to get rid of the annoying paper trail and replace it with high tech efficiency. You would anticipate such a brilliant idea to cost boatloads. No sir -- this perk is free!

SugarStats gives you a simple and easy-to-use way to input and access your data anywhere with a web browser. Get rid of that pen and paper log -- it's all online! Track and manage meds, foods and activity. Drill down into specific timeframes to get a clear picture. Visualize your progress with easy to read graphs and trends. Share your statistics with your family, friends or doctor. This is such an awesome tool! Your desire to take control of your diabetes is so easy, thanks to Marston's brilliant interface. Sign up free or take a tour.

It seems every day I learn about an extraordinary diabetic doing something to improve the daily struggles of this unforgiving disease. Kudos Marsten! You're another shining player on Team Diabetes!

Thanks to nano-technology and five brilliant scholars - a once a day injection to automatically detect blood sugar and release insulin to keep it in range is on the horizon.

SmartInsulin contains nano-sized particles that release insulin in proportion to blood glucose levels. These particles slowly break down and release insulin into the blood stream, regulating the blood sugar. Once the blood sugar is at normal levels, the particles close back up. This substantially reduces the likelihood of hypos - one of the greatest concerns for diabetics. SmartInsulin will minimize insulin dosages, decrease pain due to relentless blood sugar monitoring, dramatically improve blood sugar control, and will reduce diabetic complications.

The team of 5 students, called SmartCells, won the grand prize in an Entrepreneurship Competition for its work on the monitoring device. SmartCells team member Todd Zion invented the technology as part of his Ph.D. research in chemical engineering at MIT. Zion had an additional incentive for researching this disease. "Type 1 runs in my family. There's a genetic predisposition for it," Zion said. "I also have family members who have Type 2 diabetes. It hits home a little bit closer when someone you know has the disease."

As of April 1, 2007 SmartCells, Inc. received notice that it has been awarded $394,363 in first-year funding for a multi-year Phase 1 SBIR grant from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The grant was awarded to support development and testing of multimeric aptamers for use in SmartCells' glucose-regulated insulin formulations. Multi-wha? Can someone explain to me what a multimeric aptamers is?

DexCom has developed a continuous glucose monitoring ("CGM") system that could be the next generation of aggressive control. The DexCom GCM is a device that measures glucose trends throughout the day, providing up to 288 glucose measurements every 24 hours.

A traditional glucose monitoring test -like finger sticks - leave gaps in time where you are uncertain as to your blood sugar reading. Continuous monitoring is different from traditional blood glucose monitoring because it affords a comprehensive picture of where your blood sugars are throughout the day and night. The trend reveals times throughout the day where your sugar may increase or decrease, as well as how fast it is happening. This trend information together with the glucose value shows you patterns and problems that traditional finger sticks cannot cover as thoroughly. CGM allows you to set a target range for your desired glucose. When your glucose goes above or below this range, an alert automatically lets you know.

A 2006 study showed that people who used this device were able to achieve a 23% decrease in time spent high and a 21% decrease in time spent low. After speaking with Dianne on the DexCom customer support line - she advised me that they are offering a $375 startup kit that has everything you need to get going. The Rechargeable STS Receiver has a sleek rounded design that can easily be carried with the carry case on both your belt or in a handbag. The STS Transmitter is lightweight and fits comfortably underneath clothing. The STS Sensor & Applicator is easy to insert and safe to use with no visible needles or exposed sharps. With this wireless system, no cables or wires will get in your way allowing you to Take Control and Live Uninterrupted.. Each sensor lasts for 3 days. A set of 5 sensors costs $175 and will last you approximately 15 days.

The annual cost of continuous glucose monitoring averages a ballpark figure of $4,258. Okay, sounds a little steep - but lean on Uncle Sam to offset the cost of the best control. Sounds like it might be time to open up a Flexible Spending Account and write-off the yearning for glucose precision.

Medtronic, one of the largest manufacturers of insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors, issued a call to action request for insurance companies. The need for greater coverage on continuous glucose monitors is as important (and as necessary) as the rising demand for insulin pumps.

The president of Medtronic's diabetes division, Chris O'Connell, urged the insurance companies to consider the vast growth of the company - which was measured as considerably faster than the industry average, with sales climbing 24% in the last quarter. The device was approved for adult patients last year and U.S. regulators approved an expanded edition for use in children. The continuous glucose monitor alerts diabetics to dangerous spikes or dips in their blood sugar levels via wire-like sensors inserted under the skin that measure glucose levels and transmit the data wirelessly to a pager-size receiver.

The company plans to conduct clinical studies to demonstrate the cost effectiveness of the technology. Presumably, after two to three years of clinical trials, the evidence will be conclusive enough for insurance companies to consent to providing greater coverage for this continuous glucose monitoring.