Digital health tools, such as text message reminders, mobile apps, web-based glucose monitoring programs, and innovative insulin delivery platforms, are being increasingly used in diabetes, but an important “missing” aspect has been automatic capture of insulin dose data and integration of that data with other diabetes-related information

Connected insulin pens, also called smart pens, are simple to use and can record injections, provide a reminder for injections, facilitate accurate dosing, and often receive and integrate other data; through these functions, connected insulin pen systems may improve clinical decision-making, facilitate proactive, patient-centered management of diabetes, and improve outcomes

While evidence in this field is still in its early stages, studies report that connected insulin pens and their systems potentially help to reduce suboptimal insulin dosing and the number of missed insulin doses and improve measures of glycemic control

Available economic data suggest that the use of connected insulin pens and systems is potentially cost saving

Patient satisfaction with the technologies is high; features of effective connected insulin pen devices include simplicity of use and data upload/sharing, alert functions, and simple and clear data presentation