“Appraising the pragmatic application and scope of using technology focusing on wearables devices in the management of Diabetic patients in Saudi Arabia”
Michelle_Michy
Wearabletechcouldhelpolderpeoplemanagediabetes.docx
Topics
Conditions
Top of Form
Bottom of Form
Science X Account
Top of Form
Remember me
Sign In
Bottom of Form
It appears that you are currently using Ad Blocking software . What are the consequences? ×
·
34
·
13
·
Share
·
1. Home
2. Diabetes
·
·
·
NOVEMBER 19, 2019
Wearable tech could help older people manage diabetes
Credit: University of East Anglia
Older people with diabetes would benefit from using wearable glucose monitors—according to new research from the University of East Anglia.
The devices help people with diabetes manage their condition by reducing the need for finger-prick blood tests. But while they have been approved by the NHS, mainly for younger adults, they are not universally available.
A new study, carried out in collaboration with the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH) and published today in BMJ Open, shows that the devices would be particularly beneficial to older people with memory problems .
Lead researcher Dr. Katharina Mattishent, from UEA's Norwich Medical School, said: "Older people with memory problems can find it more difficult to keep an eye on their blood sugars.
"Older methods of checking blood sugars rely on people doing finger-prick tests.
"The newest technology works by allowing a sensor inserted under the skin on the arm to pick up sugar readings all the time for up to two weeks without having to do finger-prick tests.
"The sensor reads sugar levels and transmits them wirelessly to a display on a portable reader held near the sensor—a bit like swiping a contactless bank card.
"The device has famously been used by former Prime Minister Theresa May among others.
"It is estimated that up to 20 percent of older people with dementia also have coexisting diabetes. It's a big problem because they may be more prone to low blood sugars (hypoglycemia) from their medication, but not recognizing the warning signs—or what to do if it happens.
"This is the first project to see if new wearable glucose monitoring technology could be useful for older people with diabetes and memory problems."
The research team investigated whether using the Freestyle Libre flash glucose monitoring system could help older people with memory problems manage their diabetes.
They trialled the device with 12 participants who were experiencing memory problems, or who had been diagnosed with dementia. The average age of participants was 85.
The devices captured data across 14 days and the research team interviewed the participants and carers to see how they got on with using the devices.
Prof Yoon Loke, also from UEA's Norwich Medical School, said: "Our study found that older people and their carers overwhelmingly found the device to be acceptable to use and reassuring to be able to check sugar levels more easily.
"It didn't interfere with their day-to-day activities and they were not aware of the device while sleeping at night.
"Carers spoke favorably about the simplicity of the device. And all of the participants were positive about recommending it to others.
"One of the carers said that it is very stressful to have to regularly stab her husband's fingers to get blood samples. He had dementia and diabetes, and couldn't understand why anyone needed to hurt him with a needle.
"So you can see how something as simple as using this device could really benefit this vulnerable group and their carers.
"One problem we found though was that data recorded was not always complete because it relied on participants or their carers 'swiping' three scans a day. Real-time devices that automatically record and send the data through Bluetooth may therefore be even more beneficial for people with memory problems," he added.
Prof Ketan Dhatariya, Consultant in Diabetes and Endocrinology at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH), said: "The increasing numbers of people living with diabetes as they get older means that the traditional ways that they are being looked after need to be revisited.
"This work helps in that journey to help older people with cognitive impairment and diabetes live healthier and safer lives. It is timely because of the new documents looking after the care of diabetes in frail older adults published by the Joint British Diabetes Societies for Inpatient care and also a document published by Diabetes UK looking at the management of older adults with type 1 diabetes."
Dr. James Pickett, Head of Research at Alzheimer's Society, said: "We're delighted to see our funded research demonstrating possible benefits of wearable technology for some people with diabetes. Many people with dementia have other health conditions, and managing them all together can be challenging. It's exciting to see that technology may be part of the answer. The next step is to test the impact in a larger group of people.
"Devices which continuously monitor people with dementia could help keep them out of hospital, preventing unnecessary distress, and saving the NHS money. While research for new drugs is vital, studies like this are just as crucial, which is why we are currently funding £15m of care research that could offer more immediate impact of improving health and quality of life."
"Continuous glucose monitoring in older people with diabetes and memory problems: a mixed-methods feasibility study in the UK' is published in the journal BMJ Open on November 19, 2019.
Explore further
Diabetes, dementia can be deadly combination
More information: Katharina Mattishent et al. Continuous glucose monitoring in older people with diabetes and memory problems: a mixed-methods feasibility study in the UK, BMJ Open (2019). DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-032037
Journal information: BMJ Open
Provided by University of East Anglia
·
·
·
Feedback to editors
· Featured
· Popular
How a protein named STING assaults viruses and cancer cells that invade us
20 HOURS AGO
0
New insight into how the brain makes decisions in changing environments
20 HOURS AGO
0
Combining MRI imaging of brain structures with genetic data reveals new insights into white matter
JUN 18, 2021
0
Tweak to pritelivir allows treatment of latent herpes infections
JUN 17, 2021
0
Two new types of glial cells found in mouse brain
JUN 11, 2021
0
Multiple long-term physical health problems increase risk of depression later in life
49 MINUTES AGO
Mental well-being higher in the summer vs. fall
1 HOUR AGO
'Background' adverse event study will inform global COVID vaccine safety monitoring
2 HOURS AGO
Twin study is first to reveal genetic risk factors for PTSD and migraine
5 HOURS AGO
Study shows brain differences in interpreting physical signals in mental health disorders
5 HOURS AGO
Drinking any type of coffee associated with reduced risk of chronic liver disease
9 HOURS AGO
Smartphone screening and referral increases access to care for people with eye problems
11 HOURS AGO
· 1
· 2
· Related Stories
Diabetes, dementia can be deadly combination
OCT 02, 2018
Use of technology now included in standards of diabetes care
AUG 13, 2019
The little patches that can make managing diabetes a whole lot easier
MAY 28, 2019
Older adults with type 1 diabetes often not aware of hypoglycemia
MAR 23, 2019
New device could mean end of the jab for people living with diabetes
MAY 08, 2018
Treating diabetes in older adults requires simpler medication regimens, looser glycemic targets
MAR 23, 2019
· Recommended for you
Research shows resistance training can help reduce type 2 diabetes risk
JUN 17, 2021
Study shows high rates of kidney disease among adults with diabetes
JUN 14, 2021
New research a 'step change' for diabetes patients
JUN 10, 2021
Major study of diabetes trends shows Americans' blood sugar control is getting worse
JUN 09, 2021
Have trouble sleeping? You're at higher risk of dying, especially if you have diabetes
JUN 08, 2021
Research advances one step closer to stem cell therapy for type 1 diabetes
JUN 07, 2021
User comments
Top of Form
Bottom of Form
Phys.org
Daily science news on research developments and the latest scientific innovations
Tech Xplore
The latest engineering, electronics and technology advances
Science X
The most comprehensive sci-tech news coverage on the web
Newsletters
Top of Form
Subscribe
Science X Daily and the Weekly Email Newsletter are free features that allow you to receive your favorite sci-tech news updates in your email inbox
Bottom of Form
Follow us
·
·
·
·
· Top
· Home
· Search
· Help
· FAQ
· About
· Contact
· Archive
· iOS app
© Medical Xpress 2011 - 2021 powered by Science X Network
Privacy policy Terms of use Medical Disclaimer
