2002

MIT Media Lab and the Joslin Diabetes Center, Cambridge and Boston, Massachusetts, USA

150 million people around the world have diabetes; and many are at risk for the serious complications diabetes can create because they do not to test their blood glucose levels often enough. They lack a sturdy, user-friendly, front-end solution.

Vikram Kumar, who was a researcher with the Media Lab's Human Design research group, was interested in creating wireless, handheld solutions for remotely monitoring these children. The system uses wireless technology and game theory to motivate them and help them become more self-aware of their condition.

Roche Diagnostics had just introduced a sturdier, more robust blood glucose monitoring device that they wanted to test out—the AccuChek Active meter.

Using this meter and a Roche pocket compass, Kumar worked with Roche to create a system that wirelessly sent information (food, exercise, and insulin data) to the participants. They performed a study in which children used this system, playing a competitive game against themselves and amongst each other. The children tried to guess when they would need to check their own blood glucose levels, and when their competitors would need to check theirs.

Forty patients were recruited for the study. Initial observations: use of the system appeared to promote increased self-testing and awareness and higher knowledge about the disease. There was a 20 percent reduction in blood glucose levels. The study's participants experienced minimal technical difficulties.