Technology at the Service of Health: Applications to Measure Glucose Effectively

In recent times, technology and health have come together in a remarkable way, and diabetes is a clear example of this successful union. Today, it is no longer necessary to rely solely on manual measurements to control glucose levels. Applications to measure glucose are changing the scenario, offering effective and simplified monitoring. In this article we will explore how these digital tools are transforming the way people with diabetes cope with the condition and achieve a better quality of life.

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic disease characterized by high glucose levels in the blood. This occurs due to problems in the production or action of insulin, a hormone responsible for regulating sugar in the body. There are different types of diabetes, the most common being type 1 and type 2. The condition requires adequate monitoring, where measuring glucose is essential and, in most cases, treatment with medication, diet and exercise is necessary to maintain levels. glucose levels are under control and prevent serious health complications.

Types of diabetes and their differences

As you can see, diabetes is a condition that affects blood glucose regulation and there are different types:

• Type 1 Diabetes: Occurs in only 5 to 10% of cases, usually in childhood, due to lack of insulin.
• Type 2 Diabetes: It is more common and often related to bad habits, such as inadequate nutrition and a sedentary lifestyle.
• Gestational diabetes: Appears during pregnancy and must be diagnosed for appropriate care.
• MODY type diabetes: Less common, of genetic origin, diagnosed by genetic tests.

Likewise, we could not fail to mention pre-diabetes, which is a condition in which glucose levels are higher than normal, but is not yet considered diabetes. This intermediate stage requires care, such as a healthy diet and physical activity, to prevent progression to diabetes.

Common symptoms of diabetes

In most cases, the disease presents itself without any apparent symptoms, however some patients may present certain symptoms, such as:

1. Increased thirst and hunger;
2. Frequent urination;
3. Unexplained fatigue;
4. Weight loss for no apparent reason;
5. Blurred vision;
6. Wounds that heal slowly;
7. Recurrent infections;
8. Tingling or numbness in the extremities.

Treatment

In general, whether for type 1 or 2 diabetes, doctors usually recommend the use of anti-diabetic medications, which have the function of reducing blood sugar levels. It is also recommended to adhere to a diet with a specialist who will make adjustments to the amount of calories and glucose that should be ingested daily.

Also, in most cases of type 1 diabetes, doctors prefer to use insulin injections, because the body itself cannot produce this hormone. Furthermore, regardless of the type of diabetes, measuring glucose should be done frequently, following medical instructions. This way it is possible to know if the treatment is working properly or if adjustments need to be made.

The role of apps in diabetes

Applications to measure glucose play a fundamental role in caring for the disease. They simplify glucose monitoring, provide alerts and reminders for tests and medications, and also allow for data analysis over time. They also offer helpful resources like carb counting, education, support, and medical device integration. All of this makes people with diabetes take a more active role in managing the disease.

Among the best apps to measure glucose, we can mention:

• FreeStyle LibreLink;
• mySugr;
• Blood Glucose Tracker.

We undeniably live in an increasingly interconnected world, where technology has proven to be an essential ally in diabetes management. Therefore, the condition can now be monitored more effectively and simply with the use of applications to measure glucose, thus making managing it more convenient.