Home Glucose Monitoring Through Telecommunications

Diabetes is widely recognized as one of the leading causes of death and disability. Medical complicdiabetes can cause blindness, heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, nerve damage, and amputations.and Complications Trial researched the effect of intensive treatment on insulin dependent diabetics.that intensive treatment significantly reduces the number of complications that diabetics suffer. Throughly doubles the $2,000 annual cost of treating each diabetic. We will test a portable telecommunwhich automatically transmits patient's glucose data -- via telephone lines -- to their physician. Tefficiency of patient to physician communications; providing a method of and direct feedback. Phaseareas: (l) recruitment and training, (2) pilot study, and (3) data analysis and documentation. The ameasure the effects this device has on diabetic patient care, determine reliability, compliance andand to collect feedback. A qualified team consisting of two M.D.'s and two M.S. biomedical engineersThe successful investigation will lead to a complete glucose monitoring system that can reduce costsintensive treatment.