New iPhone app to help diabetes patients
New iPhone app to help diabetes patients
Australia's one million diabetes patients have a new way to manage their conditions more effectively than ever thanks to an iPhone app unveiled today.
The iBGStar monitor, which attaches to an Apple iPhone, allows diabetics to monitor their blood sugar levels at any time of the day, and alerts doctors if something goes wrong.
The palm-sized device simply plugs into the base of an iPhone and reads the blood sample.
A matching app on the phone then records, collates and stores the information.
Melbourne diabetes patient Renza Scibilia welcomes any device that makes living with the condition easier to manage.
"It's one less thing I have to remember when I walk out the door, and also having all the data that I need in the one place at any given time," she told Seven News reporter Dean Felton
"We live with this condition 24/7. Anything that makes it a little bit more interesting, a little bit fun, a little bit cooler, then I'm all for that."
It's one simple, but important step for the patient to instantly email the test results to his her doctor.
The app is free to download, but the tiny plug-in monitor costs around $100.
Many diabetes patients are only able to see their doctors a couple of times a year, but the new technology allows virtual consultations as often as the patient wants.
Doctors say the frequent health checks are sure to save many patients from complications, such as kidney and cardiovascular disease.
Studies have shown that the more contact the patient has with a healthcare professional, the better the diabetes management.
