The First Prescription-Only App

TWToxicity writes "Most prescriptions would say something like 'take two pills nightly with meal' on the bottle. Now, we may be adding a new method. Baltimore-based company WellDoc is making a national push in 2014 for doctors to prescribe their app, BlueStar, after a regional launch last Fall. BlueStar helps patients with Type II Diabetes by suggesting in real-time when to test and how to regulate their blood-sugar levels by, for example, altering their medication or food intake. Prescription apps may revolutionize mobile medicine and allow for more effective treatments because the patients get real time feedback and the data collected by the app is sent to their physicians. WellDoc is currently working on apps to monitor and coach patients with other diseases. The success of this product will rely on how many doctors prescribe it."

Re:No thanks

[techno-vampire]

Me too neither. However, on the other side, I'm part of a clinical study of a new fast-acting insulin, and I have to keep a diary including when I take my basal insulin (Glargine/Lantus) in 24-hour time. As I'm ex-Navy, that's easy for me, but from what the clerks at the clinic tell me, most people find it very hard to keep straight. I'd guess that for people who can't manage 24-hour time, an app like this might be worth while, assuming that they actually use it properly.

Re:No thanks

[snoig]

I have also recently been diagnosed as a type II diabetic. While I'm sure that eventually I will easily be able to manage my diet by how I feel without an app like this, there is a learning curve and something like this could be very helpful to me at this stage. I've found some online resources that are very helpful when it comes to meal planning that could be even more useful if they could be integrated with my blood glucose meter and a smartphone. Imagine the day when there will be an implantable blood glucose meter that also monitors blood pressure and heart rate then communicates via wireless with your smartphone. Snap a picture of your meal, a barcode or menu item and it will be able to tell you how much time will need to spend on the treadmill to remain healthy.