Source: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/
Cellular phones – once a luxury used strictly for talking have taken on many new roles in recent years. Now researchers at Saint Louis University and Old Dominion University in Virginia say smartphones can be used to help elderly diabetics manage their health and learn more about their condition.
Initial studies of the interactive diabetes self-management system, called the Chinese Aged Diabetic Assistant (CADA), are promising, researchers found. The system enables diabetics to track their blood glucose, weight, diet, exercise, mood and blood pressure valuable information that will assist their doctors in providing the best care possible.“We know that patients with chronic illnesses who are actively involved in their health care have better outcomes, yet this can be a challenging task. Mobile technologies can empower elderly people to better understand diabetes, track their health indicators more closely and follow a healthier lifestyle,” said Maggie Jiao Ma, Ph.D., assistant professor at SLU’s Parks College of Engineering, Aviation and Technology……”Imagine walking into a McDonalds and having your cell phone recognize your location and make healthy menu recommendations all this and more is possible with smartphone technology,” Gaynor said.Researchers say smartphones can make tracking one’s health easier and more convenient. In the future, CADA users will be able to share information with their providers and receive important health reminders. They are also working on Bluetooth-enabled devices, such as a scale that communicates with the phone to record and track daily measurements and a blood sugar monitor that automatically records daily readings on the phone.
