AI helps diabetes patients manage glucose levels
Researchers have developed an AI tool that pairs with a smartphone app to automatically guide glucose adjustments in patients with type 1 diabetes.
In a pilot study of 16 patients, the system’s recommendations were deemed safe by expert endocrinologists at a clip of more than 99% over the course of four weeks.
Further, the automated guidance correlated with directions from the experts a respectable 67.9% of the time.
The researchers behind the algorithm work at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland. Nature Metabolism is running their findings in full for free.
In coverage posted by OHSU’s news division, lead study author Nichole Tyler, an MD-PhD candidate, says the team designed the AI using only a mathematical simulator.
“[Y]et, when the algorithm was validated on real-world data from people with type 1 diabetes at OHSU, it generated recommendations that were highly similar to recommendations from endocrinologists,” Tyler notes.
Senior author Peter Jacobs, PhD, a biomedical engineer, adds that other teams have published similar algorithms but OHSU’s effort is the first to test one clinically.
“Very few have shown a statistically relevant outcome,” Jacobs says, “and most do not compare algorithm recommendations with those of a physician.”
Dave P. has worked in journalism, marketing and public relations for more than 30 years, frequently concentrating on hospitals, healthcare technology and Catholic communications. He has also specialized in fundraising communications, ghostwriting for CEOs of local, national and global charities, nonprofits and foundations.