Benefits and risks of apps for patients

Area of Science:

• Digital health
• Diabetes technology
• Mobile health applications

Background:

• Smartphones are integral to daily life, leading to the development of diabetes management apps.
• Companion apps for insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors became standard in 2020.
• The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of telemedicine, increasing the relevance of diabetes apps.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the benefits and disadvantages of diabetes apps for people with diabetes (PWDs).
• To establish a framework for understanding the evolving landscape of diabetes digital health technology.
• To inform various stakeholders, including patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers, about diabetes app utility.

Main Methods:

• Review of current diabetes app technology and market trends.
• Analysis of recent consensus reports from major diabetes organizations.
• Examination of the integration of diabetes apps with devices and telemedicine.

Main Results:

• Nearly all U.S. insulin pump and continuous glucose monitor manufacturers now offer smartphone companion apps.
• These apps facilitate cloud-based data synchronization, crucial for remote patient monitoring and telemedicine.
• A significant number of health apps exist, necessitating a structured approach to evaluating diabetes-specific applications.

Conclusions:

• Diabetes apps offer significant conveniences and advantages for PWDs.
• Understanding the potential pitfalls of these apps is crucial for all stakeholders.
• A comprehensive framework is needed to guide the effective and safe use of diabetes apps.