ABSTRACT
The use of a user-friendly microcomputer system "DIACON" which stores, analyses and displays blood glucose, details of the nutrition intake, insulin dose and other details relevant to diabetes management is described. This system tested for over four years in more than 100 diabetic patients has proven to be a useful educational and therapeutic tool.
Subject(s)
Computer-Assisted Instruction , Decision Making, Computer-Assisted , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/therapy , Microcomputers , Patient Education as Topic/methods , Adult , Blood Glucose/metabolism , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/blood , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/rehabilitation , Diet, Diabetic , Dietary Carbohydrates , Humans , Insulin/therapeutic useABSTRACT
The actual and possible applications of computers in diabetes management are manifold. There are programs for medical information, storage and analysis, pertinent literature search, artificial intelligence, algorithms assisting the patient to adjust the insulin dose and education programs. One very useful microcomputer program DIACON is described in detail. This program is both an educational and therapeutic tool in that it increases both knowledge and long term compliance; it stores, displays and analyses the large amount of self blood glucose monitoring (SBGM) data, HbA1, C-peptide, nutritional data, sport activities and insulin dose. It is concluded that the use of computers in the management of diabetes has become a necessity, but despite the programs of artificial intelligence and algorithms, it is critical that the physician retains the ultimate responsibility for diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
Subject(s)
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/therapy , Therapy, Computer-Assisted/methods , Adolescent , Child , Child, Preschool , HumansSubject(s)
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/therapy , Adolescent , Child , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/drug therapy , HumansABSTRACT
The interaction between the daily distribution of carbohydrates and frequent self-blood-glucose monitoring (SBGM) was studied in 13 pregnant women who had had diabetes for 4 to 19 years. Before and during SBGM, data were obtained on dietary history, daily blood glucose levels, and HbA1C. Optimal control was found with 3 main meals and 5 snacks. The total daily caloric intake decreased without change in the proportions of protein, fat, and carbohydrate. Consumption of starch increased, and that of simple sugars decreased. Although no changes were made in the daily amount of insulin, the women's diabetic control improved significantly.