Can you imagine a diabetic patient who, every morning, even before having breakfast, is looking at their smartphone? Not to catch up on the latest news, but to monitor their blood sugar levels, adjust their insulin dose and receive personalized advice on their diet. This scenario, once thought of as science fiction, is now a daily reality for millions of people. Digital solutions are no longer just practical tools; they are becoming essential allies in the management of chronic diseases, transforming the way patients live with their condition.

Glooko and its Impact on Diabetes Management

Glooko is a diabetes management application renowned for its ability to centralize data from various medical devices, such as glucose meters, insulin pumps, and continuous glucose monitors. This integration allows users to easily track their health data, share it with their medical team, and obtain actionable information to manage their condition better.

A concrete example of Glooko‘s impact comes from a study carried out with the Sharp Rees-Stealy medical group. This pilot program, involving 50 type 2 diabetes patients with high A1c levels, showed significant improvements in blood sugar management. The patients saw their average blood sugar levels fall by 15 mg/dL in six months and doubled the frequency of their daily blood sugar tests. Janet Appel, Director of Informatics and Population Health at Sharp Rees-Stealy, notes that Glooko’s intuitive interface inspired patients to manage better their condition, giving them a greater sense of control over their health.

DiabApp and its Impact on Patient Engagement

DiabApp is a mobile application dedicated to diabetes management, designed to help patients monitor their glucose levels, track their medication intake, and receive personalized recommendations based on their health data. The application is compatible with a variety of medical devices such as blood glucose meters and continuous glucose monitors, enabling seamless, centralized data collection.

DiabApp‘s main features include :

• Real-time monitoring of glucose levels with graphics and trends for a better understanding of diabetes management.
• Reminders to take medication and monitor blood glucose levels, to ensure patients follow their treatment plans.
• Personalized reports that users can share with their medical team to adjust their treatment if necessary.
• Integration of connected devices, facilitating automatic synchronization of data without the need for manual input.

DiabApp is designed to simplify day-to-day diabetes management and improve patient engagement by providing practical, easy-to-use tools to monitor their condition proactively.

Several studies have shown that regular use of such applications can improve glycemic control, thereby reducing long-term complications. This improvement is significant both in terms of patients’ day-to-day well-being and in terms of reducing the long-term risks associated with diabetes complications.

Role of Connected Devices

Connected devices, such as smartwatches or connected glucose meters, have become must-have tools for patients with chronic diseases. These devices enable continuous, real-time monitoring, giving patients a better understanding of their day-to-day health.

The wearable medical devices market is growing exponentially, forecast to increase at a CAGR of 9.8% between 2024 and 2032, driven by the rising prevalence of chronic diseases, the expansion of wearable healthcare technologies, and the growing demand for wearable medical devices for home healthcare.

Read more: Portable Medical Device Market Trends, Dynamics | Future Scope

This market is segmented into two broad categories: diagnostic and monitoring devices, and therapeutic devices. The diagnostic and monitoring devices segment dominates the market due to the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disorders. According to the World Heart Report 2023, more than half a billion people worldwide are affected by cardiovascular disease, prompting market players to develop increasingly sophisticated products for diagnosing and monitoring patients.

On the other hand, therapeutic devices, although they currently represent a smaller share of the market, are expanding rapidly. Their growth is driven by the distinct advantages they offer, such as ease of use, precise dosing, and the ability to perform multiple functions simultaneously. These devices are particularly valuable for older patients or those with multiple conditions, as they simplify the management of complex treatments.

Many cardiologists recognize the value of wearable devices and remote monitoring technologies in detecting early signs of complications, enabling timely intervention and improved patient outcomes.

Artificial Intelligence for Prediction and Personalization

Artificial intelligence (AI) is another dimension of digital solutions that is transforming chronic disease management, enabling greater personalization of care and better prediction of complications. Thanks to sophisticated algorithms, platforms such as Omada Health or Livongo offer personalized care plans, and massive volumes of patient data, offering tailored care to individual needs and anticipating potential risks. This approach reduces hospitalizations and improves the overall quality of care.

The article Chronic Disease Management through an AI-Powered Application by Sabira Arefin from the Journal of Service Science and Management, explores in detail how artificial intelligence improves chronic disease management. For example, in chronic kidney disease (CKD) management, the AI system monitors patients’ vital signs and predicts disease progression with up to 99% accuracy, improving early detection and intervention. The article also discusses the wider application of AI in diseases management such as cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diabetes, highlighting AI’s ability to personalize care and reduce the burden of chronic diseases through continuous monitoring and adaptive treatment strategies. For more details, you can read the full article here.

However, despite these advances, some critics are raising questions about the increased reliance on artificial intelligence. What happens if something goes wrong? Can we really trust an algorithm to make critical healthcare decisions? These questions should not be brushed aside, as they touch on safety and responsibility in healthcare.