Innovation: DiabetesLab

Italy

AAI Domains:

• Capacity and enabling environment (use of ICT)

• Independent, healthy and secure living (access to health care services, independent living)

Diabetes is a condition that affects millions of people and it can greatly restrict their ability to lead an active and healthy lifestyle. The vast majority, approximately 90%, of people with the condition have type 2 diabetes which usually develops later in life due to the body’s inability to produce sufficient insulin to adequately process blood sugar. However, there are estimated to be 38 million people around the world who have type 1 insulin-dependent diabetes who have to carefully monitor their blood sugar levels on a regular basis.

DiabetesLab is a private company established in 2014 by Przemek Majewsiki, who has type 1 diabetes himself, to apply the potential of smart technology with the analysis of big data to provide individually tailored support for people with type 1 diabetes so that they can improve the management of their condition. DiabetesLab developed an app for smartphones with the guidance and support of people with type 1 diabetes to ensure that it was fit for purpose. They then use cloud software technology to monitor individual’s blood sugar levels and then pool this data to analyse patterns and trends using artificial intelligence algorithms.

This combination of ICT, engineering and medicine provides personalised monitoring that is accurate and less invasive than other approaches and has attracted initial support from Tech Peaks: The People Accelerator. The approach has also demonstrated considerable potential with recognition in social innovation competitions in Germany and by securing a FINODEX grant from the European Commission. While the primary target is people with type 1 diabetes who want to safely lead an active lifestyle, it will also raise awareness of the more prevalent type 2 diabetes.

In relation to active ageing, the DiabetesLab app enables people with type 1 diabetes to undertake physical activity safe in the knowledge that their blood sugar levels are being accurately monitored and that they will receive personalised warnings if they are likely to have blood sugar levels outside their safe levels. The approach uses ICT in innovative ways to promote good health for people with type 1 diabetes and should also raise awareness among the general public of the risks of developing type 2 diabetes.

DiabetesLab website