How Automated Insulin Delivery Can Help You Sleep Better with Diabetes

Living with diabetes means mastering a delicate balance—especially when it comes to managing blood sugar levels throughout the night. Nights can be restless, filled with the fear of hyper- and hypoglycemia, and interrupted by alarms from continuous glucose monitors (CGMs). But imagine going to sleep with peace of mind, knowing that your glucose levels are being automatically managed. Automated insulin delivery (AID) is making this vision a reality for many, and Luna is bringing it to people with insulin pens for the first time.

The Unique Challenge of Nighttime Diabetes Management

For people with diabetes, nighttime can often feel like a battleground. Without constant monitoring or an automated system, blood sugar levels often rise (hyperglycemia) or drop dangerously low (hypoglycemia) during sleep.

German/Austrian registry data for adults with type 1 diabetes on multiple daily injections and intermittently scanned CGM reported an adjusted mean of 40% of the night above 180 mg/dL (11pm–6am; n=95). In a separate study that tracked 25 adults with type 1 diabetes, 77% of 243 nights were poor-quality sleep, measured by wrist actigraphy.

Poor sleep affects more than just mood. It hampers immune function, impairs memory, and increases the risk of diabetes complications. Conversely, stable overnight glucose levels and uninterrupted sleep improve alertness, daytime glucose management, and overall well-being.

So, how do we make the leap from sleepless nights to stable, restful ones?

Enter Automated Insulin Delivery

Automated insulin delivery represents a groundbreaking way to manage blood sugar levels, particularly overnight. These systems use algorithms to deliver insulin precisely when needed based on readings from a connected continuous glucose monitor, which ensures that glucose stays within a healthy range. The result? Fewer alarms, fewer disruptions, and a better chance to wake up feeling refreshed and stable.

For those new to the concept, here’s how it works:

1. Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM): A sensor regularly checks glucose levels and sends the data to an algorithm.

1. Insulin Delivery Algorithm: The system calculates how much insulin your body needs at any given moment.

1. Automated Insulin Pump or Patch: Insulin is delivered automatically based on your glucose data, without requiring manual adjustments.

While these systems are most commonly associated with insulin pumps, innovating for those using injection therapy is essential. Most people with diabetes use insulin pens to manage their diabetes. We created Luna to bridge this gap.

Why Sleep Matters in Diabetes Management

The benefits of good sleep for people with diabetes extend beyond waking up in range. Here’s what better sleep can do for diabetes management:

• More Predictable Mornings: Start your day with stable glucose, making it easier to handle breakfast dosing and avoid the "rollercoaster" of highs and lows.

• Physical & Mental Recovery: Better sleep strengthens your immune system, improves heart health, and alleviates diabetes burnout.

• Improved Glucose Sensitivity: Hormones regulated by restful sleep help the body respond more effectively to insulin.

A good night’s sleep can be a game-changer for those managing diabetes.

The Luna Diabetes Vision

For those who rely on multiple daily injections (MDI), the question often arises of how they can benefit from automated insulin delivery without switching to an insulin pump. This is where Luna Diabetes steps in.

At Luna, we are developing an investigational patch pump for people who use multiple daily injections. It is designed to deliver insulin automatically overnight, alongside the insulin pens and CGM they already use, without replacing their daytime therapy.

Here’s why Luna’s approach is unique:

• Simplified Use: Luna is designed to be simpler to start and to wear than a 24/7 pump.

• Focused on Nighttime: Designed to support and stabilize glucose levels exclusively while you sleep—no need to wear a pump on your body 24/7.

• Better Quality of Life: By addressing nighttime glucose control, Luna aims to allow everybody to wake up feeling refreshed and ready for the day.

The Luna system's core slogan, "Better Nights for Better Days®," embodies our mission. Focusing on improving restful, undisturbed sleep makes diabetes easier to manage both at night and during the day.

How to Get Started with Automated Insulin Delivery

Thinking about AID for yourself or your patients? Here’s how to get started:

1. Consider Your Lifestyle: If insulin pens are your preferred method, look into emerging tools like the Luna system, which complements injections with overnight AID.

1. Consult Your Provider: Talk to your healthcare provider about which systems might align with your diabetes treatment goals.

1. Try a Trial: Some systems offer trial periods or demos, making it easier to determine if the technology fits your needs.

Sleep is the Game-Changer Diabetes Needs

Nighttime glucose management doesn’t have to be a source of stress, fear, or frustration. With solutions like automated insulin delivery, you can transform your nights—and your days. These advancements empower people with diabetes to regain stability and control without sacrificing sleep quality.

At Luna Diabetes, we're here to champion that change. Whether you're already on an AID system or exploring options like Luna for MDI users, remember that better sleep is within reach.

Explore how Luna Diabetes can help unlock "Better Nights for Better Days®." Start your sleep revolution today bydownloading our free white paper or joining our email list for updates on our progress.

Sources

1. Sandig D, Grimsmann J, Reinauer C, et al. Continuous Glucose Monitoring in Adults with Type 1 Diabetes: Real-World Data from the German/Austrian Prospective Diabetes Follow-Up Registry. Diabetes Technol Ther. 2020;22(8):602–612. doi:10.1089/dia.2020.0019. Table 4: adults with type 1 diabetes on multiple daily injections and intermittently scanned CGM, n=95; 11pm–6am, adjusted mean.

2. Botella-Serrano M, Velasco JM, Sánchez-Sánchez A, Garnica O, Hidalgo JI. Evaluating the influence of sleep quality and quantity on glycemic control in adults with type 1 diabetes. Front Endocrinol. 2023;14:998881. doi:10.3389/fendo.2023.998881. Wrist actigraphy: 243 nights in 25 adults.