Telcare's wireless glucometer Photo: AFP
Announced last week, a new wireless glucometer -- an instrument diabetics use to measure the sugar in their blood -- will launch at CES in Las Vegas this week, making it reportedly the first of its kind in the US to instantly transmit health data to your iPhone.
Announced by the Wall Street
Journal, the device will launch next week and be available for shipping at the end of January -- and, according to the article, will revolutionize at-home diabetic care.
Via your iPhone, the Telcare meter transmits your readings to a private online database, accessible (with your permission) to doctors or caregivers, while also charting trends and spotlighting problems. It automatically transmits feedback -- such as whether your readings seem high or low -- and allows doctors to respond.
The Telcare meter will be priced at $150 for a starter kit that includes the meter, a wall charger, a case, and accessories. The testing strips cost $56 for a container of 50, or $36 with the subscription. So far, it's unclear whether or not the company plans to launch the device internationally.
Already commercially available in Germany, France, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Italy, the AgaMatrix Nugget is another iPhone glucose meter that recently received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration. The device, like the Telcare, is a blood glucose meter that connects to an iPhone or iPod Touch, allowing users to view and analyze their blood glucose levels in real time. By utilizing its free accompanying app, users can share their information with their healthcare professionals when on the go while keeping track of their insulin doses and other crucial data. Users in parts of Europe can purchase the glucose meter plug-in for €80.
Also available in Europe is the VitaDock series, which launched last summer and includes a GlucoDock blood glucose measuring device for managing diabetes. The device, priced at €99.99, works on the iPod Touch and iPad. Similar to the others, the VitaDock app keeps track of all user health data and provides graphs and statistics. Data can also be transferred to your doctor or family members via e-mail.