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diabetes mobile apps

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EkaterinaKK

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Relationship to Diabetes
Type 1
I am currently doing research on mobile applications and I am looking for people using diabetes apps. I have found that presently there is a very low numbers of downloads. So many people suffer from diabetes but the market is very small. I want to know why the download rate is so low. Any comments...Feel free to elaborate...
 
There are a couple of excellent apps out there, the one I use is called OnTrack and I find it works perfectly for me. I don't use it as much now though as my blood glucose meters offer much the same functionality. In fact, most blood glucose meters now come with software that allows a diabetic to keep the same data that an app would but makes it easier to transfer data to the medical team and saves time since we don't have to input the data twice. Both of my meters have good quality software that I can use on my laptop and all I have to do is input the information on my meter transferring it to the laptop from time to time and generating reports as needed.

In short, part of the low uptake on apps may be because BG meters do the job and apps aren't needed. Another part may be a lack of awareness/interest from medical professionals who aren't generally encouraging in the UK when it comes to the use technology to manage diabetes. Marketing could be another reason, the techno savvy among us can find these things easily but it might not occur to folk who may be a bit less 'switched on'. Raising awareness of the availability/simplicity of such tools might increase the market.

I hope that helps.
 
You also might want to consider the demographics of those with diabetes. What percentage will be in the generation that will own a phone that supports an App?

I also agree with everything AlisonM has written. Although my main bug on my current meter is that being a Linux user I can't download my results to my pc :(
 
If it was a machine that said "Dont eat that" or "Do eat that" it would be a good seller :confused: Would be good if you were haeding for a Hypo 🙂
 
We have an insulin pump, and the pump software is more than adequate for reviewing my son's BG data and making changes. When worn with the CGM he gets realtime BG info. I can't see any extra benefit from using an app. The only app I would use (if my son had a smartphone) is the Carbs and Cals app for easy carb counting when dining out (we have the Carbs and Cals book atm).
 
I agree I have a basic meter and that's enough for me. The hassle of logging on a phone to would make the process longer. I know it's not like 80 years ago where diabetics have to boil wee to get results. But all the finger pricking before meals then the right dosage we don't need another thing to log. I do have a few lifestyle apps log my sleep calories and steps but diabetes to, nah just not for me x
 
If my phone could Bluetooth with my meter that would be ace but that's years off as medical company's are not interested. I think there's going to be more younger diabetics soon and age isn't really a factor with tech. My nams 72 and on Facebook and kids have alps from age 3 on their own or parents devices.
 
PhoebeC said:
If my phone could Bluetooth with my meter that would be ace but that's years off as medical company's are not interested. I think there's going to be more younger diabetics soon and age isn't really a factor with tech. My nams 72 and on Facebook and kids have alps from age 3 on their own or parents devices.
Click to expand...
Not sure I should say this but I helped with a trial of an app that connected via blue tooth, being developed by a pharma co.
I think I signed something about secrecy...
I wasn't convinced it would get used much as it seemed quite cumbersome uploading the data. It was designed to calculate insulin needs according to what you program, making adjustments for insulin on board. Very similar to my pump.
But then I am not a great ap user on my phone and am irritated by Windows 8 on my pc so might not be the target user.

Natasha
 
There is also an insulin pump awaiting a licence which transmits via Bluetooth to a handset which looks exactly like a smartphone. Cellnovo.
 
EkaterinaKK said:
I am currently doing research on mobile applications and I am looking for people using diabetes apps. I have found that presently there is a very low numbers of downloads. So many people suffer from diabetes but the market is very small. I want to know why the download rate is so low. Any comments...Feel free to elaborate...
Click to expand...

Perhaps not as many people as you think have a smart phone.
I don't have one and don't want one.

Also there are many people with diabetes but very few who suffer from it 😛
 
I have tried a couple of apps, but ditched them quite quickly, found with the next usb the PC software is well good enough for my requirements. Just plug the meter into the PC and away you go and the full version (free) is even better.
 
Redkite said:
There is also an insulin pump awaiting a licence which transmits via Bluetooth to a handset which looks exactly like a smartphone. Cellnovo.
Click to expand...

I was on a trial for this at my hospital, but it didn't go forward, I think Cellnovo hit problems. I relly liked the look of it, but they were promoting it before they knew it worked!

I still have DiabetesDiary and Insulin Calculator apps on my phone which I used to use before I got the Aviva Expert meter. (The apps used to talk to each other but the current iphone update has stopped that until the bug is sorted!) Unfortunately my meter went wrong and stopped working when I was at Heathrow airport on my way to America, so I found having the apps very useful as a back up, I think I have forgotten how to do all the calculations! (I was able to buy a very basic meter using the same strips from Boots)

I am also interested in an app I have just found out about from Diatribe (http://diatribe.us/) who have just reported on 'A round up of the best and most current apps for diabetes presented at this year?s American Association for Diabetes Educators'
It is very simple, but anything that helps or reminds me with the sums is good! It is Insulin-On-Board (IOB) Calculator and looks like it is free!

Like everyone else here, I would like all thse features on my meter, not to have to keep transferring info from one place to another!
 
heasandford said:
and I havve a Mac, so the meter software won't work! at least all the apps do!
Click to expand...

What meter are you using? I've just checked Bayer and Abbott's. Bayer's Glucofacts Deluxe is available for Mac OS, but Abbott's CoPilots isn't, but their AutoAssist may be. I can't find a manual and it seems to be cloud based. It doesn't work with Windoze 8 though.
 
I have an Aviva Expert Meter. The problem is that I have been recommended for a pump (hooray!) but the only pump they supply is the Accuchek who supply the aviva meters, so I can't really change. I am certainly going to put pressure on about the Mac, it took ages to discover the software didn't work on it. My techy husband has installed something called VMware Fusion which supports Office, therefore I can actually run Accuchek 360, but I always feel slightly uncomfortable whether it wil continue to work!
 
I thought 360 was compatible with Mac OS now heasandford?
 
Sorry, not been watching this!
Not according to the boklet I've got. My husband talked to Accuchek and we ended up installing (with all my history) onto the VMWare. We did have the most up to date disc last Christmas when I got the Mac. When did they start to make it Mac compatible?
 
Have to say I have used phone apps and a WIndows / PC type application.

Based on the principle that I have to diary my readings, know my actuals and avreages and record resons for highs and lows, I have come to the conclusion that for me, an Exel spread sheet works best. Not as 'old fashioned' as pen and paper but almost.

Anyone who wants a copy for their own use is very welcome. Just reply or message me.

MArk
 
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