Diabetes app will offer patients real control

A NEW device launched in the UK today will enable diabetics to manage their condition with a smartphone.

The £48 hi-tech glucose monitor, being rolled out at Boots stores, attaches to the Apple iPhone and iPod touch. It allows sufferers to check their blood sugar levels at any time using their phone or MP3 player.

The device, iBGStar, comes with a free Diabetes Manager App that makes it possible to store, track and analyse medical data.

TV presenter Dominic Littlewood, who was diagnosed with type-1 diabetes as a teenager, said: “I lead a hectic lifestyle and so keeping an eye on my blood glucose levels is challenging. iBGStar gives me the reassurance of knowing that I can get accurate blood glucose results using my iPhone, which I carry around anyway.”

Sarah Johnson, from the type-1 diabetes research charity JDRF, said: “Good blood glucose control is vital to reducing the long-term effects of diabetes, but it can be difficult and demanding to achieve.

“As such, we welcome all developments in technology that can help people with type-1 and type-2 diabetes take control.”

Dr Andrew Hockey, medical director for Sanofi, which produces the iBGStar, said: “It will empower people to manage their condition on a day-to-day basis.”