Patient glucose tracking for diabetic, weight-challenged patients

The patient glucose tracking devices can help keep patients and their doctors one step ahead of any issues that can crop up with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes

Our smartphones are filled with colorful little app icons that help manage our calendars, count steps, or clip coupons for grocery shopping. And it isn’t surprising that apps and wearables are becoming increasingly useful for patient glucose tracking, including glucose levels for patients struggling with weight issues.

A 2018 review looked at 16 trials of type 2 diabetes apps and combined their results. The researchers discovered that users of the apps averaged a .57% reduction in hemoglobin A1C over three months. Other trials discovered that app use could help patients with diabetes lower body weight, by making patients more aware and able to manage their own levels.

Apps are a source of information for health care professionals with patient glucose tracking, and allow them to make more subtle changes to create better overall outcomes for patients struggling with weight issues.

Apps and blood glucose levels

As a result, the wearable and app market has skyrocketed and continues to improve. Apple Watch and Samsung Watch offer oxygen-level sensor options on their newer products. And a team at a university is working on a non-invasive blood glucose level measurement using similar technology. The biosensor works with a phone app, although the team is continuing work on making the device virtual-assistant friendly. The device is touted to be 90% accurate in measurements of blood glucose levels.

The noninvasive device studies the level of light absorption in the blood vessels by shining a light through the patient’s skin and recording the view with a camera on the opposite side. In this manner, the device can determine the glucose concentration in the patient’s body. Although the device seems to have merit, one of the problems with such devices is that the measurements and data can be skewed if the patient has a dark skin type or if they have tattoos.

Patient glucose tracking beyond the pin prick

However, the idea of glucose monitoring without the pin prick holds another benefit. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that there are risks for people who assist diabetes patients with blood glucose monitoring or insulin injections. There is a possibility of transmitting the hepatitis B virus (HBV) or other infectious disease when using needles or fingerstick devices. The arrival of new noninvasive monitoring devices lowers the risk of transmission.

Many devices also give the option to track the time of day the patient checks blood glucose levels, and they can add notes to the tracker to monitor any changes or symptoms. They can also track insulin amounts, check blood pressure, and sync data between devices.

The patient glucose tracking devices can help keep patients and their doctors one step ahead of any issues that can crop up with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. But as with any tracking device or change in medications or supplements, clients should consult with their team of health care professionals before beginning a new regimen or utilizing a new product, and doctors likewise with state and national laws regarding patient data.