Study: Type 1 diabetics do better with monitoring device

In the past, we here at FierceHealthIT have noted the quiet but steady growth in the number of devices designed to monitor chronic conditions remotely, especially diabetes. In the case of diabetics, manufacturers are creating devices that sample blood sugar levels far more often then patients typically do with a standard monitor. Now, a new study has come out suggesting that where Type 1 diabetes is concerned, at least, they're probably onto something.

The study, which was published in the New England Journal of Medicine, looks at the benefits of "continuous glucose monitoring" (CGM) systems for Type 1 patients. The systems, which require inserting a small sensor under the skin and attaching a cellphone-sized device to the sensor, help patients adjust their insulin injections as needed. CGMs also sound an alarm if the patient's blood sugar hits dangerously high or low levels.

In the study, researchers looked at the condition of 322 adults and children at 10 different research centers, all of whom had blood-glucose levels that averaged above recommended levels. During the 26-week study, about half used CGM systems, and the rest used traditional blood glucose meters. The benefit of such systems was most pronounced for patients 25 years of age and older, whose blood glucose levels fell by 0.50 percent versus a slight rise for those using standard blood-glucose technology.

Now, the question is how soon these devices will universally be configured to broadcast such data, via a cellphone or wireless network, so that clinicians have immediate and comprehensive access to the information. Look for management of remote data like this to become a standard part of the IT department's job sometime quite soon.

To learn more about the study:
- read this piece [1] in the Wall Street Journal

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Group studies RFID implants for dialysis [3]
Trend: Managing chronic diseases remotely, with mobile tech [4]
Study: Telemedicine offers clinical, cost benefits for chronic disease care [5]