While healthcare providers can play a crucial role in helping patients manage their diabetes effectively, it’s essential to understand that patients also need to make an effort on their part. Failure to adhere to the prescribed medication and not making critical lifestyle changes can result in glucose levels consistently rising, which can be damaging to nerves and blood vessels. Patients can utilize specific mobile health applications to help them monitor their glucose levels and enhance their ability to manage diabetes. We’ll take a closer look at a couple of these apps in this post.
What To Look For In A Mobile Health App For Diabetes Management
Before examining specific apps that may be useful for patients with diabetes, we will first consider a few key factors to look for in these mobile applications. By knowing what to consider, it’s easier to determine which app is right to help someone manage their diabetes and track their progress.
- Price and Ads: Many of the mobile health applications are free to download. With this in mind, the free options often display advertisements on the app, which can be frustrating. If there are ads, the patient will usually be able to opt for a premium subscription or in-app purchase that removes ads from the app. There are also paid apps that don’t have ads at all.
- Features: The features that the app offers are another factor that people should consider. There should be a function that allows users to track their blood glucose levels easily. Some apps may automatically get readings when scanning a continuous glucose monitor. This can help the patient record data at more frequent intervals.
- Health Tracking: In addition to tracking blood glucose levels, it’s also helpful to use an app that allows for the tracking of other health-related factors. For example, the patient may want to keep track of what they eat. This will be useful when trying to reduce carb intake or aiming for a specific calorie count during the day. Fitness tracking features can also help users record data related to their physical activity.
- Compatibility: Modern phones are generally well-equipped with the necessary hardware to support most apps, but it’s essential to take a moment to assess the compatibility of each app. For example, an Apple user won’t be able to download an app that is exclusive to the Google Play Store.
It’s a good idea to download a few of these apps and to try them out. This allows the patient to get a better idea of what each app offers and also provides a way to filter down to the one that offers the most convenience and benefits.
Health Apps Diabetics Should Try
There are several health apps on mobile devices that you can download directly from the app stores. Some of these health apps are specifically designed for individuals with diabetes, while others are more general. In this section, we will focus on apps that target individuals with diabetes. We’ll discuss the main features of each app and share some details about how they can help.
Glucose Buddy
The first app that we are going to take a closer look at is Glucose Buddy. Thousands of people have used this app for a long time, and it holds a positive rating on the Google Play Store. It is a comprehensive mobile application that simplifies the process of tracking glucose levels.
Glucose Buddy not only helps the user track their glucose levels. It’s a more comprehensive app that allows for additional tracking. This includes logging food, medicine, steps taken during the day, and data related to exercise levels. A free version is available, along with an upgrade to a premium version that adds additional features to the mobile application.
As data is entered into the app, it generates reports that facilitate the identification of abnormalities in glucose variability and comparison with factors such as food intake and exercise levels.
Accu-Check mySugr App
The mySugr app, developed by Accu-Check, is another excellent option for individuals with diabetes. This app focuses on providing a graph that displays the variability of blood glucose levels on the dashboard. It’s quick and easy to record glucose levels by simply launching the app and clicking a plus sign at the top.
Additional tracking features are available, and the initial setup process is relatively brief. The great thing about the mySugr App is that it can be downloaded on both Android and iOS mobile phones. The home screen of the app can be personalized, and the technology used to create this application allows for it to provide estimates on HbA1c levels. There are currently over three million people who already use the app, and it has an average rating of 4.6.
Dexcom Apps
Patients who use a continuous blood glucose monitor from Dexcom should consider using the official apps from the company. There are four main apps available from the Dexcom brand, including the G7, G6, Clarity, and Follow options. The patient should consider the Dexcom model they own and then download the appropriate mobile app.
These apps work by automatically detecting your blood glucose levels when you swipe your phone over the continuous blood glucose monitor. These devices are typically placed on the patient’s arm and will remain in place for a specified period. Every time a new scan is made, the data is recorded on the mobile app and can be accessed by the user at any time.
Conclusion
Mobile apps are handy, but people often overlook the fact that they can use these applications to manage health conditions. There are several apps available on various mobile app stores that can help diabetic patients track their blood glucose levels. Some also offer additional features, such as general health tracking. Patients can start by using the list of apps we discussed in this article to enhance their ability to track their health.