A new study is examining whether a novel approach to blood sugar management using cell phones is effective at helping inner city diabetics, according to a recent article from the Associated Press.
Researchers from George Washington University Hospital are running a test program to try and better treat inner-city diabetics using interactivity and text messages. They say this demographic is especially hard to treat. If the patients enrolled in the study comply with the study’s terms they are provided with a cell phone that is connected to the Internet at a reduced monthly rate.
One example of how the study works is this: patient Tyrone Harvey has a cell phone strapped to his wrist and enters his blood sugar numbers into a program, which he accesses via the phone. If the number entered is outside a certain range, Harvey is sent a customized text message instructing him what to do. Then, the data is recorded and can be reviewed by doctors during checkups. The records can also including information on drug dosage changes.
The efforts are part of a growing trend toward more personalized, and high-tech, interactive medical care and advice.
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