Today’s world is the digital world; you can find various health apps incorporated with traditional health processes to develop a hybrid digital health system. Among these numerous digital health systems, diabetes stands out as one of the first chronic conditions to determine the benefits of joining digital health with established health practices.

Diabetes affects millions of people globally, and this figure continues to grow every year. Moreover, this increase is mainly due to the growing number of people with type 2 diabetes, as demographic and lifestyle factors put people at risk of developing diabetes. So, the need for personalized support for those with diabetes is becoming more critical. It is also necessary to note that no two cases of type 2 diabetes are similar, and treatment options need to remain varied.

However, with limited healthcare resources and physicians having little time to spend with every patient, it is increasingly evident that traditional methods may fall short of offering personalized management. But with the help of digital monitoring devices and apps, the treatment provides more elasticity in how diabetes is managed and improves access to care by making it easier for people with diabetes to access management advice.

Diabetes is a data-driven disease:

More than with any other disease, the treatment of diabetes relies on comprehensive data. The more information you will have, the more clearly you can understand your condition. Besides the various types, every person reacts differently to external factors. Many factors can make your blood glucose level vary, and these elements are stress and illness. That is why the need to track these things individually and all other factors call for simple solutions.

What makes diabetes suitable for a digital health care approach?

Several aspects put diabetes among the chronic health conditions that are uniquely suited for digital health applications. With diabetes, these are agreed-upon, scientifically measurable indicators for treatment and management. Blood glucose readings and A1 c results represent that accepted standard for measuring diabetes treatment and management efficacy.

People living with diabetes have the resources to measure and monitor those indicators as a part of their daily routine.

Access to a blood glucose meter is extensive, either from a Blood Glucose Meter (BGM) or a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM). Despite the cost barriers that limit the amount of checking a person can afford to do, individuals with diabetes still have personal access to a reliable and standard scientific measure to check the status of their diabetes. However, it would be good to remember that not every chronic health condition has a way to monitor its position outside the doctor’s office.

The most commonly used indications for diabetes management respond quickly to treatment and interference. For example- the blood glucose level can move within minutes or hours of a dose of insulin, or when you eat a quick snack that increases the sugar level, or when you perform some physical exercise. This closeness makes it possible for diabetes health apps to provide meaningful feedback and guidance to diabetic people and their caregivers.

How digital diabetes work?

Virtual care provides benefits to diabetic patients only, but it provides assistance and support for people living with other chronic illnesses. Virtual care reduces emergency room visits, which means you would not need to leave your office or home to get health care.

You would not need to invest hours waiting to see your doctor, digital innovations such as videoconferencing, remote patient monitoring, and web-based solutions that are changing health care in various parts of the world. However, digital technology is not only for the patients but for doctors also. The technology allows family doctors to connect online with a specialist to get speedy access to professional advice.

New diabetes technology:

Virtual care for diabetes also involves new forms of digital glucose monitoring, such as a first-of-its-kind flash glucose monitor. It tracks the blood sugar level for up to 14 days using a sensor. A one-second scan of the sensor with a hand-held reader or smartphone provides a real-time glucose reading and a complete depiction of the patient’s recent blood sugar history.

With the help of new diabetes technology where with a click button, a graph can show glucose levels for the past month on a physician’s screen.

Conclusion:

Virtual care is an essential tool that helps provide patients when they need it. With the help of advancements in technology, diabetic patients can get the best treatment and reduce their time worrying about doctor’s visits.

Reference: https://www.diabetes.ca/managing-my-diabetes/stories/digital-diabetes-care-1