By Gautam Chopra
Amidst a mounting global diabetes epidemic, characterized by daunting statistics, it becomes increasingly evident that technology stands as our foremost ally. In confronting this pervasive challenge, we must embrace innovative technology which can provide the solution for managing, controlling, and potentially reversing this chronic condition. BeatO – India’s leading virtual diabetes care platform, renowned for its comprehensive approach to diabetes management is at the forefront of this technological revolution. This AI enabled platform demonstrates how technological innovations are transforming the landscape of diabetes care, making it more accessible, affordable, efficient, and effective.
Online Applications and Smart Devices
The cornerstone of modern diabetes management is the innovative use of apps and smart devices which are integral to the operations of leading diabetes care platforms. The BeatO App is compatible with various glucose monitoring devices including smartphone-connected glucometers and continuous glucose monitoring devices. It stores the readings on the cloud and provides instant personalised nudges and suggestions based on the users reading. An out-of-range reading leads to instant intervention by a health coach on call.
The App provides users with personalized care insights by tracking their blood glucose levels in real-time. Real-time data collection facilitates a deeper understanding of how different factors, including diet, exercise, and medication, affect blood sugar levels. By leveraging this data, health care practitioners and individuals can make informed decisions about their daily management routines, leading to improved glycaemic control for users and reduced risk of complications.
The App provides various health self-assessment features like:
- A Lifestyle Score – a health risk assessment tool, that helps you evaluate your current lifestyle, provides recommendations based on the score achieved and helps you to improve your lifestyle by aiming for a better score.
- A Fitness Tracker that gauges your step count and calories burnt.
- A Reversal Calculator – a tool to gauge the probability of diabetes reversal for the individual.
- A proprietary Monitoring Frequency Calculator – a tool to understand when and how many times to measure blood sugar, so that you can take informed decisions for your diet and exercise choices, based on the type of diabetes you have.
- Face Scanner Integration – A facial scanning tool that helps to measure stress and blood pressure
By accessing 120 different parameters, the BeatO App can continuously track and personalise the treatment plan for each one of its users and offer timely interventions.
Round-the-clock Access to Medical Experts
Technology has also bridged the gap between patients and healthcare providers. A key feature of advanced diabetes care platforms like BeatO is providing 24×7 access to a team of medical experts and doctors. This continuous access ensures that individuals can receive guidance and support, regardless of the time of day or night. It represents a significant departure from traditional healthcare models, where patients often have to wait for appointments or consultations. Using telemedicine and digital communication channels, patients can have their concerns addressed promptly, leading to better health outcomes and greater satisfaction with their healthcare providers.
Integrated Medication Management
This holistic approach ensures that individuals not only receive personalized advice and support but also have access to the necessary medications to manage their condition effectively. By integrating medication management into the platform, patients can easily track their medication schedules, refill prescriptions, and adjust dosages based on professional advice. This seamless integration simplifies the complex process of managing diabetes, making it easier for patients to adhere to their treatment plans. At BeatO 95% medicine adherence is observed for users, who are able to stick to their treatment plans due to this feature.
Certified Lab Tests
Access to lab tests from certified labs is another critical component of technology-driven diabetes care. Regular testing through lab tests is essential for managing diabetes effectively, as it helps identify potential health complications before they aggravate further. BeatO App facilitates easy scheduling of lab tests and quick access to results, allowing for timely adjustments to treatment plans. By leveraging technology to streamline this process, patients can maintain better control over their condition, with minimal disruption to their daily lives.
Personalized Coaching and Support
Finally, technology has enabled the provision of personalized coaching and support through access to certified diabetes coaches. These coaches play a vital role in helping individuals navigate the challenges of living with diabetes. They provide education, motivation, and emotional support, tailored to the unique needs of each patient. The use of digital platforms for coaching sessions means that patients can receive this support from the comfort of their homes, making it more convenient and accessible.
In conclusion, the role of technology in diabetes care is both transformative and multifaceted. By exploring innovations such as smart glucometers, 24×7 access to medical experts, integrated medication management, certified lab tests, and personalized coaching, platforms like BeatO are leading the way in redefining diabetes care. These technological advancements not only improve the quality of life for individuals living with diabetes but also offer a blueprint for the future of chronic disease management. As technology continues to evolve, its potential to revolutionize healthcare further is limitless, promising a future where the burden of diabetes is significantly reduced, if not entirely eradicated.
(The author is Gautam Chopra – Co-founder & CEO, BeatO, and the views expressed in this article are his own)
