Biomedtrics Ditto

Recently I had the chance to test out the new Biomedtrics Ditto. The Ditto is a Bluetooth device that allows you to sync your blood glucose meters to any Bluetooth enabled device such as a smart phone, tablet, or PC.
Along with the standalone device there is an app called MyDittoLife, which allows you to keep all of your testing records on it and share it with your medical provider by emailing it directly to them. And the app is also accompanied by a website that stores all of your testing information via the Cloud, allowing you to access your information where ever there is internet access.

With Ditto you have several connection options that allow you to connect to your meter. It comes standard with a 3.5mm Male to Male audio cord that allows you to plug your glucose meter into the Ditto, a 2.5mm to 3.5mm adapter for those smaller ports, and a USB charging cable. That’s right there are no batteries that you have to deal with, its charged by plugging into any USB 2.0 plug.
And because Ditto is Bluetooth compatible that means that you can wirelessly sync your meter to your phone or tablet/PC. I have a Samsung Galaxy S3 and when I connected  my meter to the Ditto and turned on Bluetooth Sync within the app, it automatically updated the app on my phone with my most current reading for the past 3 months. I was a little disappointed in that it did not download all my readings into the app, but was impressed with how simple it was, once I had the app setup to work with the meter that I was using.

The entire Ditto program is controlled through the app. You can make all your changes right from your tablet or smart phone. It is pretty intuitive for the most part, but if you are technologically stupid, you may struggle a bit with it. I would like to have seen the over all ease of use more KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) friendly for those who are not tech savvy.

One drawback that I did find with the Ditto was its limited number of supported glucose meters. However, many of the top name models such as Abbott, Bayer, ReliOn, and LifeScan (ie OneTouch) are supported. This is one feature that I would like to see expanded upon in future developments.

Another feature that I liked about Ditto was that you could choose which way you wanted to export your glucose data, you could have it done in PDF or CVS format. Personally I prefer PDF format because it is more universal.  The other thing that was nice was that it displays a bar graph after every reading allowing for you to see visually how your weeks highs and lows compared.

All in all I give this system a 7 out of 10 stars, based on the app and the lack of supported meters, and the fact that it is only currently offered for Android. I really do like that the system is stand alone and Bluetooth which gives it great functionality and room for future development. You can get yours from Amazon by clicking here, and downloading the app from the Google Play Store by clicking here.

UPDATE

11/7/13

After having used the app a bit more I have found that my last statement of Ditto not having uploaded all of my readings from the meter was not true.
The meter I was using only had readings from back in March of this year. It did not display in the app that any information had been downloaded, it just displayed that there was no data found. I have brought this to the attention of Biomedtrics, and they are looking into it.

I did find and have a chance to look at my graphs for the time period that I did have data for and found that like the picture above it was well detailed and accurate, and gave me a good visual on how my trends were. I am going to upgrade my original rating from a 7 to a 7.5 stars out of 10. Knowing now that all my data was downloaded makes it nicer (and would have probably saved me some hardships had I used a meter with more accurate testing dates than half a year ago) to work with. I still stand by the fact that the over all usefulness of the app and website could be more user friendly but for those techy people out there this shouldn’t be to big of an issue.

Also in my previous review I forgot to mention that there is a website that you can view your information on called www.mydittolife.com which from what I can see is an HTML version of the app, without the ability to really change much of the information on, but have been assured that the site is a work in progress. The Ditto is a great device and is worth using, I would recommend it to my more computer literate friends, over the ones who are struggling to come into the 21st century.

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Glooko is coming to Android and Google Play

So there is a product on the market called Glooko, which is a revolutionary new device that allows you to connect your Glucose meter to your iPhone and copy all of your test results over to your phone, thus allowing you to email them to your doctor.

 

Well back in 2011 – 2012 I was accepted to be a tester for this new product and wrote a series of articles about it. Since then they have made leaps and bounds with it. You see Glooko use to only be available to iPhone users.

However, I was again chosen to be a beta tester for their new Android App. I must say so far I'm a bit disappointed (so far) with the outcome of the Android version of Glooko. You see unlike the iPhone single sync cord version (left), the Android sync version (right) requires 2 parts. These parts are a square box that plugs into the earphone jack of your phone or mobile device and has a cord that plugs into that, then into your meter. The other thing about the Android version is that it is not powered by the phone or the tester. It requires a large button cell battery, and the unit must be manually turned on in order to begin the sync with your phone.

One thing that I did notice though, was the large database of supported glucose meters the new Android version has. When I tested the iPhone version back in 2011 they had very limited number of supported meters. They now have all the main name brands and a few off brand glucose meters supported. The other thing that I was pleased to see was that unlike the iPhone sync which needed a whole different attachment or meters that had IR (infrared) beaming abilities, it is now built into the Android version.

The other thing that has been improved is the app for both Android and iPhone. The new and improved app allows for better, smoother functioning, making it super simple for even the most tech challenged person to use.

All in all I give the Android Glooko reader 8 out of 10 stars. The only reason I’m scoring it at an 8 is because of the 2 piece system and the fact that it is battery operated and not self powered like its counterpart for the iPhone. Other than that, I am happy that they finally crossed over to the Android market. You can get your own Glooko setup for iPhone here. It is not fully available for Android consumers yet. But keep up to date with them via their Facebook Page, Website, or Twitter, so that you can be the first to know when the consumer version of Glooko for Android is released.

[UPDATE] 10/29/13

It seems as if I was a bit to harsh/hasty on the rating scale of 8 out of 10 stars. At first glance I was off put by the over all appearance of the sync cable being in 2 separate parts and being battery operated. However, it did not dawn on me that the unit having a built in IR might need the additional power that the phone would not be able to give and provide normal functioning battery life for the phone itself. And the fact that there are some meters on the market that are IR compatible that would be unnecessary to have a data cable that was constantly attached. So I am reevaluating it and giving it a 10 out of 10.

I am also pleased to know that your meter data is available across platforms. I was able to pull readings from my iPhone and see them on my Android. So this makes the device even more universal and friendly. That is why Im giving it 10 out of 10. I have also synced my other meters with the App with only a few finger swipes. Unlike other mobile Apps that boost their ‘ease’ of use features. With Glooko its 2 swipes and your new meter is ready to go.

Get your Glooko meter cable here http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00F9K7BWQ
Get Glooko for Android here https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.glooko.logbook
Get Glooko for iPhone here https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/glooko-logbook-diabetes-take/id471942748?mt=8

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Overall Post-Meal Blood Sugar Levels Reduced By Snacking On Raisins

New research debuted at the American Diabetes Association's 72nd Annual Scientific Session suggests eating raisins three times a day may significantly lower postprandial (post-meal) glucose levels when compared to common alternative snacks of equal caloric value. The study was conducted at the Louisville Metabolic and Atherosclerosis Center (L-MARC) by lead researcher, Harold Bays, MD, medical director and president of L-MARC.

The study was conducted among 46 men and women who had not previously been diagnosed with diabetes mellitus, but who had mild elevations in glucose levels. Participants were randomly assigned to snack on raisins or pre-packaged commercial snacks that did not contain raisins or other fruits or vegetables, three times a day for 12 weeks. Findings included:

• Compared to control snacks, raisins significantly decreased mean post-meal glucose levels by 16 percent

• Compared to baseline within group paired analysis, raisins significantly reduced mean hemoglobin A1c by 0.12 percent

• Consumption of the control snacks in the study did not significantly reduce mean post-meal glucose or hemoglobin A1c

"Compared to the snacking control group, the group consuming raisins had a significant statistical reduction in their after-liquid meal blood sugar levels among study participants who had mean baseline fasting glucose levels between 90 and 100 mg/dl.," said Dr. Bays. "This favorable glucose effect of raisins was further supported by the statistically significant reduction in hemoglobin A1c (a standard test for overall blood sugar control in diabetes mellitus) in the within group comparison to baseline. The within group comparisons from baseline with snacks did not demonstrate a reduction in hemoglobin A1c."

The study was funded by the California Raisin Marketing Board through a grant to the L-MARC Research Center in Louisville, Kentucky.

"Raisins have a relatively low glycemic index and contain fiber and antioxidants, all factors which contribute to blood sugar control," said James Painter, Ph.D., R.D., and nutrition research advisor for the California Raisin Marketing Board. "Decreasing blood sugar and maintaining normal hemoglobin A1c levels is important because it can prevent long-term damage to the heart and circulatory system."

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Glooko Announces first App Update–Glooko Logbook ver. 1.2

Today Glooko announced their first application update Glooko Logbook ver 1.2. This new update boasts features such as interfacing with the Bayer Breeze2 Meter, a food database where you can search for all of your favorite foods and add the carb counts manually into your logbook, and the ability to print or share a 1-month logbook.

I have to say being a user of the Glooko system I am in love with how easy it is to use and the wealth of information that is at my finger tips. Now with these upgraded features there is even more that can be done. I am looking forward to the new food index.

Meters currently compatible with Glooko 1.2

Bayer's Breeze2	Bayer's Contour
FreeStyle Freedom Lite	FreeStyle Lite
OneTouch Ultra2	OneTouch UltraLink
OneTouch UltraMini
Don’t forget to update your app today and give all the new features a try!	Buy the Cable Here

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Glooko Update

So I just received an email from Anita Mathew VP Marketing and Co Founder of Glooko “Thanks for reaching out, and we would be happy to have you review the product.”
How is that for fast turn around. I am super excited to get to test Glooko, and tell you all about the neat features that I discover.

November 15th

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Say Goodbye to Dry Skin

Dry skin, a frequently overlooked complication of diabetes, is an irritating side effect of chronically high blood glucose levels. Try these tricks to keep your skin healthy and soft.

 

Say Goodbye to Dry Skin

Everyone gets dry skin from time to time. But for people with diabetes, it can be a chronic problem if your blood glucose levels are regularly high. High blood glucose causes the body to lose fluids at a faster rate. Skin can also become dry when nerves are damaged from years of diabetes and don't get the message to sweat.

For people with diabetes, dry skin can become more than an irritation -- it can be dangerous. When skin is dry, it sloughs off easier, and often the outer layer is lost. This outer layer is your skin's first defense against bacteria and acts as a barrier. And because bacteria feed on glucose, people with diabetes whose blood glucose isn't in control have a higher risk of bacterial infection -- the bacteria are literally on a feeding frenzy in the higher glucose levels. That's why even the tiniest cut can become a major infection when your glucose levels are regularly high.

Experts say it's vital to keep a close eye on your skin. If you identify a cut, scratch, or burn early, it's possible to avoid major complications such as an amputation.

"Don't wait! Even if a skin condition appears to be minor, see your doctor," says Fran Cook-Bolden, M.D., clinical professor of dermatology at Columbia University in New York City.

Signs of Skin Problems

Many skin conditions associated with high blood glucose levels cause changes in your skin's color, texture, or pigmentation. Watch for:

• Dull red raised areas.
• Light brown scaly patches, rashes, and depressions or bumps at injection sites if you take insulin.
• Dry skin.
• Skin on your legs that becomes hairless, thin, cool, and shiny (signs of thickening arteries and poor circulation).
• Moist, red itchy areas surrounded by tiny blisters and scales (sign of fungal infection).

Controlled Glucose Means Healthy Skin
Fortunately, the steps you take to control blood glucose -- following a healthful meal plan, exercising, and taking your prescribed medications -- also help keep your skin healthy. The better you manage your blood glucose, the lower your chances of having bacteria-related complications with your skin.

 

Taking Care of Your Skin

"People with diabetes tend to have sensitive skin," Cook-Bolden says, "so it's important to avoid any trauma or bruising that could result in a slow-healing wound." Use these tips to keep your skin healthy:

• Treat all cuts and scratches: See a doctor if you suffer a major cut, burn, or infection; if a minor problem persists after more than a week of treatment; or if you're unsure about a skin condition. For minor cuts or scratches:
  - rinse the area with mild soap and warm water.
  - cover with a sterile gauze.
  - use antibiotic cream only if your physician recommends it.
• Practice a 30-in-30 guideline: Apply a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher at least 30 minutes before going into the sun, and reapply it as the package directions suggest. Coat dry areas and minor sunburns with moisturizing lotions.
• Don't bathe too long or too hot: Overly long periods in hot water can dry your skin. When you bathe or shower, use warm -- not hot -- water and a mild cleanser.
• Moisturize: Apply a moisturizer everywhere (except between your toes) while your skin is still slightly damp. To help skin stay clean and dry, use talcum powder in areas where skin touches skin, such as the armpits. (Note that minor sweating can act as a natural moisturizer.)
• Beware spa treatments: If you get your nails or feet manicured, tell the manicurist that you have diabetes. Make sure they sanitize all instruments properly. If you can't cut your toenails yourself, get them cut by a podiatrist rather than a manicurist.
• Don't pick at skin sores: Resist the urge to scratch and break the skin, as that enables germs to enter your body.

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Free Contour USB Meter

Here is your chance to get a new Contour USB Meter for free by clicking on this link.

I have one of these meters and they are great. They have an onboard Log Book, and easy to read and use Average Chart. This meter also allows you to input valuable information about your testing, such as time of day and how you are feeling.

Another couple of features that this meter has is a rechargeable battery that is chargeable by plugin it in to the wall (the USB Wall Adapter comes with it), or you can charge it via a USB port on your computer.

There is also built in Java Software that you can use to download your charts with, and the whole meter doubles as a 500mb thumb drive, which makes this a super functional personal machine that can help with both home/office work and keeping a tab on your glucose level.

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Diabetes and Stress : Coping with stress in your life

In order to deal with stress we must first figure out what it is. Stress is that feeling of tension that comes from being under physical or mental strain or pressure.

Sometimes this comes from hardships at work or just being ran down due to illness or just not feeling all that great. This is only a couple of examples of what and how stress affects our lives. Lets face it, Stress is part of life. However, people with Diabetes have another problem. Stress can cause a significant change in their blood glucose levels.

Stress causes the body to release extra glucose into the blood. This new supply of glucose is meant to boost energy to help you cope with what is going on. This is why it affects diabetics so much more, as we must regulate our glucose levels with insulin.

The stress of diabetes can cause unpredictable problems at times. Managing your diabetes usually means making major changes in your daily life, and making sure you get your medications when they are suppose to be taken. Also by adding exercise to your daily regiment truly helps with this too.

Stressful events unrelated to your diabetes may affect how you feel and how well you deal with your diabetes. Something like having a bad day at work or having a fight with someone can cause you to forget to eat or take your medicine. It is really important not to react to stress in ways that might be harmful to you, such as smoking or drinking to much to relief stress.

Another thing is that there is a relationship between diabetes and depression. Typically depression occurs more often in people with diabetes than in general. This too can cause problems with your Glucose levels, as you may be feeling “blue” or having prolonged feelings of sadness or low self-esteem, or even being discouraged by having diabetes. Sometimes counseling, especially when combined with medicine, can provide effective relief and a sense of well being in most people.

Some ways to reduce stress include but are not limited to

• Exercise
• Read a book
• Take a nap
• Watch a movie
• Visit friends
• Listen to music

These are all very good ways to help cope and deal with stress and to help to keep your glucose levels from raising higher due to stress.

Related articles

• The Importance of Home Blood Sugar Monitoring for Diabetics (brighthub.com)
• The Effects of Stress on Glucose Tolerance (brighthub.com)
• Can Stress Cause Diabetes? (brighthub.com)
• Causes of High Blood Sugar in the Morning (brighthub.com)
• Eating Plan for Glucose Intolerance (brighthub.com)
• Glucose tolerance test - All Information (umm.edu)
• Diabetic hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome - All Information (umm.edu)
• Robin Wilson: Diabetes: Put Down that Cola and Pick up Celery! (huffingtonpost.com)
• Type 2 diabetes - All Information (umm.edu)
• Specific kidney cell could be key in the treatment of kidney failure in diabetes (eurekalert.org)
• A Diabetes Meme (ohmyachesandpains.info)
• 33 Percent Of American Adults Could Have Diabetes by 2050 (realestateradiousa.com)
• Why Diabetes May Triple by 2050 (health.usnews.com)

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