Smartphone coaching can boost diabetic management, help reduce disease risks

Diabetics living in low to modest socioeconomic communities can benefit from patient coaching via smartphone when it comes to managing their disease and improving their health, according to a new study from the School of Kinesiology & Health Science at York University in Canada. Researchers conducted a six-month pilot study, involving 21 participants, in which a smartphone application intervention program using provided to patients as well as device coaching. The focus was to improve behavioral management of type 2 diabetes in ethnically-diverse populations. Of the 21 participants 12 saw their sugar levels drop with minimal changes in medication. The smartphone not only helped reduce diseasee complications but helped patients hurdle obstacles such as miscommunication and issues with attending medical care tied to travel difficulties. Study