New app launched to monitor blood glucose

Dubai: A new app that allows diabetic patients to monitor blood glucose using smartphones was launched by the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) on Monday.

The LibreLink app from Abbott Laboratories, was unveiled during the Ministry’s participation at Arab Health Exhibition & Congress 2018, being held at the Dubai World Trade Centre from January 29 to February 1.

The LibreLink app, compatible with Android OS 4.0 or higher, reads glucose levels via the FreeStyle Libre sensor placed on the back of the upper arm, eliminating the need for routine finger pricking while delivering instant results. The sensor is replaced every 14 days, and patients can swim or take showers while wearing it.

The ministry said the launch of the app is in line with its vision to provide personalised health care and self-management solutions using smart monitoring devices to test blood glucose levels, while also reducing possible complications related to diabetes.

Dr Yousuf Mohammad Al Serkal, Assistant Undersecretary for the Hospitals Sector, reiterated that the (MOHAP) is committed to improve community health, and provide innovative and comprehensive health care services, that meet international standards, and provide the most advanced treatment solutions to control diabetes and other non-communicable diseases, using mobile apps and wearable technologies.

Al Serkal highlighted the importance of using advanced methods to treat diabetes, noting that regular testing for patients, treatment management, self-care, accurate monitoring of blood glucose, and continuous data management through this app, would help reduce the negative health, social and economic effects diabetes has on the community. He noted that the quality of the services provided by the ministry have helped reduce the prevalence of diabetes.

The app can transfer up to eight hours of glucose levels from the FreeStyle Libre sensor developed by Abbott, and features a trend arrow that indicates whether glucose levels are steady, rising or dropping. The app can also be very useful for families and health care providers, as one LibreLink account can show results for up to 20 individuals.