A smart device for smart self-monitoring of glycemia in patients with diabetes

Abstract

Systemic vascular complications of diabetes mellitus (nephropathy, retinopathy, injuries to the great vessels of the heart, brain, arteries of the lower extremities) have been proven to lead to early disability and premature death of patients. The annual economic costs of T2DM and associated cardiovascular complications account for at least 1% of GDP. According to the principles of therapeutic management of diabetes mellitus, patient education is viewed as an integrated component of the treatment process. It should provide patients with knowledge and skills that contribute to achieving specific therapeutic goals (disease self-management). Self-monitoring of blood glucose training is a priority objective in the treatment of patients with diabetes. It is self-monitoring of glycemia that is the most important criterion for selecting therapy, compared with the glycemia testing in an outpatient clinic or hospital settings. Modern glucometers provide an option for remote monitoring of glycemia and timely delivering of consultations using a mobile application. Thus, Contour Plus One glucometer with the Russian-language application Contour Diabitis records the blood glucose readings following each test. If low or high glycaemic levels are detected, the application will show a notification and offer the patient options for actions. Quick recognizing out-of-range lab results motivates patients and helps them understand why changes in therapy are required. Immediate notifications shown on the smartphone screen improve motivation to act and respond to the situation. The glucometer system with a mobile application allows to promptly manage glycemia, increase patient’s commitment to active disease management, achieve treatment goals using innovative technologies, and therefore actively manage the course of diabetes mellitus.