Plugged In To Diabetes

Teenagers spend an average of 72 hours a week plugged in. They are using iPhones, iPods, Androids, Macs, and PCs. They text, instant message, chat, and play games. They are also diabetic and are poor compliers. They do not understand diabetes and so do not comply with treatment. A need has been identified by Cincinnati Childrens Hospital Medical Center (CCHMC), a national leader in pediatric care, to incorporate technology that appeals to juveniles with diabetes for the purpose of improving compliance and diabetic management. This projects aim was to find a link between kids and the technology they are already using and make it easier to manage their disease so they are more likely to comply. In collaboration with the CCHMC Diabetes Education Team, this Capstone group reviewed and evaluated available software applications for cost, accessibility, ease, and teen appeal. A handout was developed for teenage diabetics that provides information about the various technological applications utilizing the devices they already have. These applications are free or inexpensive, easy to use, and efficient. Some of the applications communicate blood glucose results, carbohydrate counts, and insulin doses directly to the health care team at the push of a button while making it fun and entertaining for these young patients.

Plugged In To Diabetes
Free applications to help manage diabetes

University of Cincinnati College of Nursing Senior Capstone Group 2012 Nina Heilker Natasha Pate Christine Stenson
In collaboration with Cincinnati Childrens Hospital Medical Center Diabetes Education Team

All images were retrieved from Google Images, May 2012

Plugged In To Diabetes
Lenny the Lion is an ambassador for Type 1 diabetes education. He was diagnosed as a child and uses an insulin pump. He likes to play games to learn how to control his diabetes. Available for free on iOS, Android, PC and Mac. Wavesense - Provides a trend chart and graphs, email capability, charts blood glucose levels, carbs and insulin doses. Available for free on iOS and Android.

OnSync - Tracks blood glucose levels and is able to send the data to the health care team. Companion website available. Available for free on iOS devices. dLife - Features logs, recipes, videos, nutritional information, email capability, a Q&A section and a community forum section for additional support. Available for free on iOS devices.

iDBT Managing Type 1 Diabetes is an interactive educational application that teaches about how our bodies work and how to manage Type 1 diabetes. Available for free on iOS devices.

Glooko - Works with many meters to transmit data directly from meter to iPhone, iPod, Mac and PC. Sends data to the health care team. Application is free for iOS, Mac and PC. Requires purchase of data cable.

Diabetes Team - Tracks carbs, blood glucose levels and insulin doses. Able to email data to health care team. Encourages exercise by offering a free pedometer. Available for free on iOS devices.

Easy Diabetes - Offers a diary component that tracks blood glucose readings, carb counts, insulin administration and ketone levels. Easy to understand. Available for free on iOS.

MyDiabetes - Tracks glucose levels, food and meals, exercise, current medications, blood pressure and HbA1c levels. Companion website available. Available free on iOS, Mac and PC.

Tracks carb counts, glucose levels and insulin doses. Nutritional information available. Also capable of emailing info to health care team and provides reminders to check levels. Available for free on iOS, Android, Mac and PC devices.

Glucool - Data tracking available for blood glucose, insulin doses, weight and blood pressure. Insulin dose calculator. Tracks history and is capable of exporting data to the health care team. Available for free on Android devices.

On Track - Reminders to prompt user to check glucose levels. Tracks blood glucose, meals, exercise, medications, weight, blood pressure, pulse, HbA1c and body fat. Able to export history and data to healthcare team. Available free on Android devices.

University of Cincinnati College of Nursing Senior Capstone Group 2012 Nina Heilker Natasha Pate Christine Stenson

In collaboration with Cincinnati Childrens Hospital Medical Center Diabetes Education Team