The “Text” Level in Glucose Monitoring

We may be witnessing the wi-fi tipping point, as the convergence of medical devices with wireless technologies has produced a cellular phone that doubles as a glucose meter. The meter can be fitted onto any regular cell phone. Software can be downloaded into the cell phone that can interface with the attached meter to test and read the patient's glucose level. The patient sticks the test strip into the side of the phone, just as they would any meter. The difference is that the patient can then immediately "text" the results to an online database that is accessed by the healthcare provider. The concept allows patients to discreetly perform their glucose testing virtually anywhere and have the results sent automatically and instantaneously. In addition to being sent to an online medical management database, the results also are stored in the cell phone. The patient can choose to have the results sent automatically to other sources, such as his physician, family members, etc.

The device appears to be on a level of innovation that could impress even the most fanatical "techie." But is it possible that such advanced technologies could ultimately sacrifice the benefit of "personal" care? For the consumer, one of the enticements of such POC technologies is that they minimize office visits and interaction. But when speaking with Dr. David Sacks, associate professor of Pathology at Harvard Medical School, he reminded me that one of the key constituents to improving outcomes in diabetes is personal interaction with, and reinforcement from, healthcare workers.

I encourage you to share your thoughts about whether such brilliant consumer POC technologies may have the potential to undermine the importance of regular interaction with nurses, dieticians and other healthcare workers that may provide the patient with more personal guidance, education and overall direction.