Eirik Årsand1, Miroslav Muzny2, Meghan Bradway3, Jan Muzik4, Gunnar Hartvigsen5. 1. Norwegian Centre for Integrated Care and Telemedicine (NST), University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway Department of Computer Science, Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway eirik.arsand@telemed.no. 2. Norwegian Centre for Integrated Care and Telemedicine (NST), University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway Spin-off Application Centre, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic. 3. Norwegian Centre for Integrated Care and Telemedicine (NST), University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway US Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and IIE, Washington DC, USA. 4. SPA, Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, Czech Technical University, Prague, Czech Republic. 5. Norwegian Centre for Integrated Care and Telemedicine (NST), University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway Department of Computer Science, Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Wearable computing has long been described as the solution to many health challenges. However, the use of this technology as a diabetes patient self-management tool has not been fully explored. A promising platform for this use is the smartwatch-a wrist-worn device that not only tells time but also provides internet connection and ability to communicate information to and from a mobile phone. METHOD: Over 9 months, the design of a diabetes diary application for a smartwatch was completed using agile development methods. The system, including a two-way communication between the applications on the smartwatch and mobile phone, was tested with 6 people with type 1 diabetes. A small number of participants was deliberately chosen due to ensure an efficient use of resources on a novel system. RESULTS: The designed smartwatch system displays the time, day, date, and remaining battery time. It also allows for the entry of carbohydrates, insulin, and blood glucose (BG), with the option to view previously recorded data. Users were able to record specific physical activities, program reminders, and automatically record and transfer data, including step counts, to the mobile phone version of the diabetes diary. The smartwatch system can also be used as a stand-alone tool. Users reported usefulness, responded positively toward its functionalities, and also provided specific suggestions for further development. Suggestions were implemented after the feasibility study. CONCLUSIONS: The presented system and study demonstrate that smartwatches have opened up new possibilities within the diabetes self-management field by providing easier ways of monitoring BG, insulin injections, physical activity and dietary information directly from the wrist.
BACKGROUND: Wearable computing has long been described as the solution to many health challenges. However, the use of this technology as a diabetespatient self-management tool has not been fully explored. A promising platform for this use is the smartwatch-a wrist-worn device that not only tells time but also provides internet connection and ability to communicate information to and from a mobile phone. METHOD: Over 9 months, the design of a diabetes diary application for a smartwatch was completed using agile development methods. The system, including a two-way communication between the applications on the smartwatch and mobile phone, was tested with 6 people with type 1 diabetes. A small number of participants was deliberately chosen due to ensure an efficient use of resources on a novel system. RESULTS: The designed smartwatch system displays the time, day, date, and remaining battery time. It also allows for the entry of carbohydrates, insulin, and blood glucose (BG), with the option to view previously recorded data. Users were able to record specific physical activities, program reminders, and automatically record and transfer data, including step counts, to the mobile phone version of the diabetes diary. The smartwatch system can also be used as a stand-alone tool. Users reported usefulness, responded positively toward its functionalities, and also provided specific suggestions for further development. Suggestions were implemented after the feasibility study. CONCLUSIONS: The presented system and study demonstrate that smartwatches have opened up new possibilities within the diabetes self-management field by providing easier ways of monitoring BG, insulin injections, physical activity and dietary information directly from the wrist.
Authors: Eirik Årsand; Dag Helge Frøisland; Stein Olav Skrøvseth; Taridzo Chomutare; Naoe Tatara; Gunnar Hartvigsen; James T Tufano Journal: J Diabetes Sci Technol Date: 2012-09-01
Authors: Deede Gammon; Eirik Arsand; Ole Anders Walseth; Niklas Andersson; Martin Jenssen; Ted Taylor Journal: J Med Internet Res Date: 2005-11-21 Impact factor: 5.428
Authors: Leah R Yingling; Valerie Mitchell; Colby R Ayers; Marlene Peters-Lawrence; Gwenyth R Wallen; Alyssa T Brooks; James F Troendle; Joel Adu-Brimpong; Samantha Thomas; JaWanna Henry; Johnetta N Saygbe; Dana M Sampson; Allan A Johnson; Avis P Graham; Lennox A Graham; Kenneth L Wiley; Tiffany Powell-Wiley Journal: Transl Behav Med Date: 2017-12 Impact factor: 3.046