(RxWiki News) iPhones have made a huge impact on the way we access information. Can't remember the name of that one actor? Pull out your phone and the answer is there.
Now, the FDA has approved a new iPhone tool for diabetes patients.
The iBGStar Blood Glucose Monitoring System, made by Sanofi US, has been approved by the FDA. It is the first blood sugar monitor that connects directly to an app on the iPhone or iPod touch.
"Ask your doctor how to make blood sugar monitoring easier."
Earlier this month, Sanofi announced the approval of the iBGStar Blood Glucose Monitoring System, which is made up of a blood sugar meter and the iBGStar Diabetes Manager app. The tool was already available in the UK.
Now, diabetes patients in the United States have access to a new, easy way to track blood sugar.
Blood sugar control is key to managing diabetes. If a patient's blood sugar gets too high, that patient is at risk for a number of complications, including nerve damage, heart disease, and kidney disease.
According to Naina Sinha, MD, of Weill Cornell Medical College, "Many people with diabetes today rely both on their iPhone or iPod touch and blood glucose monitors as important parts of their daily lives.
"By combining these two essential tools, iBGStar makes it possible to provide blood glucose tracking, monitoring, and reporting together in a new way," she says.
When the iBGStar monitor is connected to an iPhone or iPod touch, a patient's blood sugar results are displayed in the iBGStar Diabetes Manager App. The iBGStar monitor can also be used on its own to measure blood sugar levels, and connect to the iPhone app later in the day.
The iPhone app has a variety of tools that can help patients record their blood sugar readings and track their carbohydrate intake. If a patient takes insulin medication, the app can also keep track of insulin doses.
"Sanofi is pleased to launch iBGStar, which expands our diabetes portfolio as we pursue comprehensive disease management offerings and further illustrates our commitment to developing innovative solutions that help improve the lives of people with diabetes," says Dennis Urbaniak, Vice President and Head of U.S. Diabetes at Sanofi US.
"The iBGStar Blood Glucose Monitoring System will help people living with diabetes check their blood sugar and communicate with their healthcare teams, using mobile technologies that have become central to so many people's lives," he says.
Test strips for the iBGStar monitor are available at Walgreens stores around the United States. If you have diabetes and are considering this new tool, ask your healthcare provider if your insurance covers the costs.
