Type 1 Diabetes is something of a nightmare for sufferers, requiring constant vigilance and attention on their part, as one mistake could mean a coma, or even death. As such, being able to accurately monitor blood sugar levels is a priority, and with this latest development doing so has become just a little easier.
NightScout was founded by a group whose children suffered from the condition. Needing a way to keep track of their childrens’ condition from afar, they turned to the cloud as a solution to their problems. A small sub-dermal sensor measures blood pressure just under the skin, and transmits this data to a receiver on the wrist. This receiver in turn feeds the information to a linked Windows Phone or iPhone running the NightScout software, which compiles it into a chart and feeds it to the cloud.
In a recent partnership with Azure, which was instigated with help from Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, this information is now accessible via the service and the NightScout desktop software, allowing parents using their program to monitor their child’s blood sugar in real time, and to alert them should attention be required. The benefits of this system are immediate, not least to the children themselves. Many stories have been told about newfound freedom, not only of movement, but socially. These children on the program who were shadowed by their parents at every step now have a little more room to simply be kids.
Having secured 1,500 Azure passes, each with a $500 monthly credit for 6 months, families can use the system without putting too much strain on their household budgets. Sufferers of the condition are advised to see their doctor to find out if NightScout is right for them. With over 3 million suffering from Type 1 Diabetes in the US, and over 30,000 new diagnoses every year, this is a step in the right direction towards making life a little more livable for those with the condition.
Are you a NightScout user? Let us know in the comments below.
