Blood glucose monitoring system for iPhone
or iPod touch
In a world where technological advances are
speeding us toward all sorts of advanced contraptions and capabilities, one of
the industries benefiting most from these new discoveries is health.
High-tech medical inventions are migrating
from testing laboratories into consumers’ laps, helping make chronic conditions
more treatable and lives a little easier.
IBGStar
Blood Glucose Meter Kit
One of Australia’s most common health
afflictions is diabetes, a condition that requires a host of equipment for
effective treatment and management. From insulin vials and syringes to testing
strips and blood monitoring systems, the average diabetic has a lot of loot to
haul on a daily basis. And that’s where Sanofi – a global manufacturer in
diabetes care – is looking to provide solutions.
The company recently launched its iBGStar
blood glucose monitor – the first working blood glucose meter available to the
consumer market that works in conjunction with an iPhone or iPod touch to
record blood sugar levels, input data results and collate, manage and share
this information with your GP, endocrinologist or family members.
To use it, you first need to download
Sanofi’s free IBGStar app, then connect the meter to the 30-pin dock at the
bottom of your iDevice; the hardware will prompt the installed software to
launch and guide you through a quick and easy setup.
Once your levels are transferred from your
meter to the app, you can input additional information, including whether the
test was taken before or after a meal. All of the data will be stored on your
device, ready to email or print.
To
use it, you first need to download Sanofi’s free IBGStar app, then connect the
meter to the 30-pin dock at the bottom of your iDevice
The iBGStar is very small compared to other
blood glucose meters on the market, and can be kept clipped onto the end of
your iDevice throughout the day if you so desire. Given that most diabetics
test their blood sugar levels no less than four times daily, this is a welcome
feature.
One potential drawback is that the iBGStar
will not connect directly to the iPhone 5’s Lighting dock. While you could
still use the IBGStar with an iPhone 5 using a Lightning adapter, this defeats
the purpose of its compact, mobile design.
We used the iBGStar to test blood sugar
levels four times a day for a one-week period, using it alongside an Accu-Chek
Mobile glucose monitor to compare test results.
The iBGStar performed well, and on par with
the Accu-Chek Mobile. Test times were roughly the same, with each test taking a
few seconds to generate results. The levels did not differ between the two
meters.
The iBGStar’s greatest advantage is that it
eliminates the need for a hard-copy record book. The paper system is archaic
and limiting at best, and most recoed books have insufficient space for
important information that correlates to blood sugar levels.
We had no gripes using Sanofi’s iBGStar
app; the interface in clean and easy to navigate, and works seamlessly between
your iDevice and meter to ensure all results and added date are sotred and
ready for sharing.
Macworld Australia’s buying advice.
Overall, we found the greatest advantage of
the iBGStar was its simplification of an otherwise bloated series of processes.
The fact that Sanofi has introduced a streamlined system that saves time means
users will benefit from the afforded convenience and freedom – both essential
ingredients for healthy living.
High-tech
medical inventions are migrating from testing laboratories into consumers’
laps, helping make chronic conditions more treatable and lives a little easier
|
Info
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Sanofi diabetes
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Pros: Compact; discreet design; easy setup and
user-friendly; accurate testing and date management
·
Cons: May not suit all patients; does not
connect directly to an iPhone 5
·
Price: $99
·
Rating: 4 ½ /5
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