Children's Blood Glucose Meter Connects to Gaming Systems

A blood glucose monitor, designed specifically for children with diabetes, encourages them to develop good blood glucose testing habits by awarding points that they can then use to unlock new game levels and customize their gaming experience.

The Bayer Didget meter plugs into any Nintendo DS or Nintendo DS Lite gaming system, and rewards the children for consistent regular daily testing habits, with additional rewards for being within their target range and sticking with their testing regimen over time. The children can use the points earned while playing the exclusive "Knock ‘Em Downs: World's Fair” video game to purchase items in the games, unlock minigames, and customize their experience on a new password protected web community, that provides the children with a fun place to interact with other children with diabetes who use the Didget meter.

The Didget meter offers two glucose-testing levels; the basic mode offers simple testing right from the start; the child only needs to insert a test strip and perform the test. The five-second test requires only a small 0.6 μL blood sample. The large, easy-to-read display meter employs "No Coding” technology, and can record up to 480 test results. Further features include auto detection of the control solution medium, 14-day average calculation, and 7-day high and low recordings. An advanced mode incorporates the basic mode and adds extra customizable features, such as personalized treatment goals for children, personalization of High/Low blood glucose target range setting, and test result summaries that shows tests above and below the child's glucose target level. Meal markers help children quickly identify tests taken before and after eating. A selectable postmeal reminder can help children remember to test after meals at a time that works for their routine. The advanced mode also offers 7-, 14-, and 30-day averages. The Didget meter is a product of Bayer UK (Newbury, United Kingdom) and is based on the Bayer Contour glucose metering system.

"For many people with Type 1 diabetes, particularly children, having to do finger prick testing and inject insulin several times a day is an unpleasant but vital part of good diabetes management,” said Pav Kalsi, a care advisor at Diabetes UK (London, United Kingdom). "Any safe and effective innovation which could encourage children to develop good testing habits now and for the rest of their lives is welcomed.”

Related Links:
Bayer UK
Bayer Didget Community
Diabetes UK