AI tool to improve blood sugar management in type 1 diabetes patients
pharmafile | January 18, 2023 | News story | Medical Communications |
A new app, designed by researchers at Oregon Health & Science University (OSHU), uses artificial intelligence (AI) to assess blood sugar levels as concerning trends, as well as suggesting management tools, is set to become part of a clinical trial in 2024.
Previously-developed automated insulin delivery systems can be a useful tool for type 1 diabetics, however they can be incredibly expensive for the patient, making this technology inaccessible for most who therefore have to rely on manually injecting themselves with their daily insulin doses.
However, the new app, known as DailyDose, appears to be a more affordable option to help type 1 diabetic patients. The app utilises AI to assess the patient’s blood sugar data, concerning trends in this data and suggest management tools to maintain a healthy blood glucose level.
The OHSU researchers working on the app have published two papers on the topic, the first establishing that it provided the same recommendations as diabetic specialists, and the second determining that these recommendations, and subsequently the app, improved the patient’s blood sugar levels.
Sean Sullivan, PhD, programme officer at the Helmsley Charitable Trust, commented: “Decision support, like that provided through the DailyDose app, greatly improves access to quality diabetes care, regardless of where people live.”
On the other hand, there are some concerns that patients may not understand the rationale behind the app’s recommendations and therefore may not follow its advice.
The researchers commented: “Ultimately, we hope this project will improve care for all with type 1 diabetes and make managing the disease in their daily lives easier.”
Betsy Goodfellow
