Six Generations Of The Insulin Dosage Computer: A New Clinical Device For Diabetes Self-management Through Specialized Centres

Modern technology and dedicated microprocessors in particular, are revolutionizing the treatment of diabetes. Through specialized centres and a select group of new medical experts, conventional diabetes management is gradually being replaced by a system of technology assisted self-care. The present paper outlines the characteristics of six consecutive generations of a new device called an insulin dosage computer. It facilitates self-care by calculating insulin dosages each day at each meal based on glucose measurements made by the patients themselves. The device was initially developed in 1982 and is now extended to over 1200 patients each of whom has acquired expert skills for self-management and thereby achieved improved metabolic control with freedom both from hypoglycemia and from the psychological dependencies usually accompanying this disorder.