New application for telemedicine in the T-City: measuring blood glucose with GlucoTel

The diabetes management system GlucoTel will become the model application for linking medical technology and telecommunications in the T-City Friedrichshafen. The system by the telemedicine company BodyTel Europe GmbH automatically documents the blood glucose values of the patient and alerts a person of trust via mobile communications or the Internet if the values differ greatly. The starting point for the new T-City project was a training and information event at the group practice for internal medicine of Dr. Axel Versen, diabetes specialist in Friedrichshafen.

“The better patients can adjust their quantity of insulin to fluctuations in blood glucose, the lower the effects of diabetes. However, this requires the persons involved to actively collaborate and the doctor to receive reliable information about blood glucose levels”, explains Dr. Versen. “I consider GlucoTel to be a good way of doctors receiving a complete diabetes logbook and to counteract problems together with the patient. I can see the online logbook of my patient on the Internet at any time and, being well-informed, also intervene by phone.”

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GlucoTel

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GlucoTel

GlucoTel creates comprehensive blood glucose documentation since measuring values are transmitted immediately and automatically from the measuring device to the patient’s cell phone using Bluetooth. Then the data is sent directly using the cell phone software over a mobile Internet connection to the personal online logbook. Here it is stored centrally and for the long-term. Additional information such as the number of bread units consumed, details of insulin treatment or other events (visits to doctor, stress, sport, etc.) can be entered while mobile or online.Only the patient and persons authorized by him can see the online logbook. The web portal uses the same security standards as online banking. Measuring values and additional information will be presented graphically and can be evaluated statistically. Upon request, if defined blood glucose threshold values are exceeded or fallen below, an alert can automatically be sent to the supporting person by text message, e-mail or fax. This functionality can be activated or deactivated at any time.  “We are delighted to now be able to offer another future-looking telemedicine solution in the T-City in addition to mobile visits and the diagnostics portal”, claims Uta Bruns, Head of the T-City project area of Health and Support. “GlucoTel is an excellent example of how modern IT and communications solutions can increase the quality of life of chronically ill people.”  

BodyTel offers free of charge new user program

BodyTel is offering a Germany-wide new user program to those affected who do not have a compatible cell phone: In addition to a free-of-charge GlucoTel blood glucose measuring device, they will be lent a cell phone including SIM card. The diabetes patient can then use the system immediately, without having to pay any purchase or telecommunications costs. The test strips will be prescribed by the doctor as normal and the measuring device remains in the patient’s possession even if he ends the program. Type 1 diabetics, type 2 diabetics dependent on insulin and gestational diabetics can take part in the GlucoTel new user program, which has no time limit and which measures their blood sugar, medically indicated, on average at least four times a day. More information on the new user program can be found at www.bodytel.de.