The principles and prototyping of a knowledge-based diabetes management system

This paper describes the principles and prototyping of a computer-based system being developed to assist in the management of diabetes mellitus. Unlike other approaches based upon mathematical modelling or the use of computer algorithms, this system adopts one derived from artificial intelligence, seeking to incorporate the dynamics of glucose and insulin in a manner which reflects their clinical importance. The resultant logical model (qualitative algebra) defines the relationships between changes in insulin dose and site and time of injection and glycaemic response. In this manner the computer-based system, implemented in Prolog, can be used to provide advice concerning insulin therapy by means of making qualitative predictions of patient outcome of blood glucose profile resulting from alternative insulin regimens.