Friday 30 August 2013

"Diabetes Apps"

This systematic review from researchers in Dakota looked at applications in the Apple Store and all publications between 1995 and 2012 on mobile technologies for people with diabetes.
"Research into the adoption and use of user-centered and sociotechnical design principles is needed to improve usability, perceived usefulness, and, ultimately, adoption of the technology. Proliferation and efficacy of interventions involving mobile applications will benefit from a holistic approach that takes into account patients' expectations and providers' needs." (1)
It is a good (but not thorough) update of the current status of supportive technologies for people with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. They cautiously conclude that these applications improve attitudes towards diabetes and may therefore improve outcomes.

Integrating with electronic health records could be a key benefit of future developments. It is the level of engagement for the person with the diabetes and the people who help support their care that I feel is where the efficacy is - not the 'technology' per se.


1. El-Gayar O, Timsina P, Nawar N, Eid W. Mobile applications for diabetes self-management: status and potential. J Diabetes Sci Technol 2013;7(1):247–262. Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23439183

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