An intelligent diabetes software prototype: predicting blood glucose levels and recommending regimen changes

Maintaining optimal blood glucose (BG) control is difficult for type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) patients when typical daily regimens of food, insulin and exercise are altered. Artificial intelligence (AI) systems consisting of treatment algorithms calibrated through large datasets of patient specific information may offer a solution. Such a system can predict BG level changes resulting from regimen disturbances and recommend regimen changes for compensation. A software prototype based on neural network, fuzzy logic, and expert system concepts was developed and evaluated to determine feasibility and efficacy of a patient specific prediction model. BG data are the primary driver for adapting existing functions to patient specific prediction algorithms. Mean absolute percent error (MAPE) between actual and predicted BG values from inputs of daily insulin, food, and exercise information for an T1DM test subject was 10.5% using a calibrated model. The prototype is limited by the requirement for a rigid testing schedule, human error and situational circumstances such as alcohol consumption, illness, infection, stress, and significant hormonal imbalances. No significant conclusions regarding model validity can be drawn due to limited evaluation process and subject sample size, although the prototype has demonstrated viability as a learning tool for diabetes patients. Increased impetus for further development of this prototype and similar AI models may materialize when more effective diagnostic and data capture tools become available to reduce testing and improve accuracy of the model with more input data.