The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) has launched a new app allowing diabetic patients to monitor blood glucose using smartphones.
The launch came during the Ministry’s participation at Arab Health Exhibition & Congress 2018, which is held at the Dubai World Trade Centre this week.
The LibreLink app, developed by Abbott Laboratories, reads glucose levels via the FreeStyle Libre sensor placed on the back of the upper arm, eliminating the need for routine finger pricking while delivering instant results. The sensor should be replaced every 14 days, and patients can swim or take showers while wearing it.
The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) revealed that in 2015, 19.3% of the UAE population – almost one in five people between the ages of 20 and 79, have type 2 diabetes.
H.E. Dr. Yousif Mohammed Al Serkal, Assistant Undersecretary for the Hospitals Sector, reiterated that the Ministry is committed to providing innovative and comprehensive healthcare services that meet international standards, while also providing the most advanced treatment solutions to control diabetes and other non-communicable diseases, using mobile apps and wearable technologies.
He highlighted that regular testing for patients, treatment management, self-care, accurate monitoring of blood glucose, and continuous data management through this app, would help reduce the negative health, social and economic effects diabetes has on the community. He noted that the quality of the services provided by the ministry have helped reduce the prevalence of diabetes.
Dr. Kalthoom Mohammed AlBalooshi, director of the Ministry’s Hospitals Department added that the app can transfer up to 8 hours of glucose levels from the FreeStyle Libre sensor, and features a trend arrow that indicates whether glucose levels are steady, rising or dropping. “The app is very useful for families and healthcare providers, as one LibreLink account can show results for up to 20 individuals,” he said.
The LibreLink app is compatible with Android OS 4.0 or higher.
