Sensei, a mobile technology developer and subsidiary of Humana, has launched an iPhone application for patients with diabetes.
The diabetes “app,” in Apple parlance, is called My Diabetes Guide, and helps diabetics manage their condition by offering instructions on “what to do, what to know, what to eat and what to ask their doctors,” according to a company statement. Speaking on the need for a mobile diabetes management tool, Robert Schwarzberg, president and CEO, Sensei, said: “Programs online have extensive and valuable content with less a focus and access to the seamless activity we hope to participate in. Lifestyle change isn’t what happens while sitting in front of your PC.” Patients can download the app for 99 cents through Apple’s iTunes app store.
To help facilitate the patient/physician relationship, My Diabetes Guide offers checklists of items to bring and questions to ask, as well as what to expect at a check-up. Regarding potential partnerships with pharma, Schwarzberg said the company is “in discussions to customize the program for other stakeholders addressing their needs and interests including availability on most handsets. These new tools of engagement we believe will enhance compliance and brand loyalty.” Schwarzberg was not at liberty to comment on any current partnerships with pharmaceutical or medical device marketers.
Lifescan, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, recently debuted a prototype application for the iPhone that would synch glucose meter readings with the iPhone, allowing diabetes patients to manage their blood sugar on the device.
From the May 01, 2009 Issue of MM+M - Medical Marketing and Media
