Atlanta’s Grady Health begins using personalized diabetes system

To help patients better manage their diabetes and insulin doses, Atlanta-based Grady Health System has implemented an evidence-based software system that seamlessly integrates with its existing electronic medical record system.

Grady is using the eGlycemic Management System (eGMS), made by Glytec, a software company founded in 2006 and is based out of Greenville, South Carolina. Grady, which has a level 1 trauma center, burn center, a comprehensive stroke center and cardiac center, sees many patients with complex cases, which is what influenced them to begin using eGMS, the company said in a statement.

Research done by Guillermo Umpierrez, MD, the chief of diabetes and endocrinology at Grady and a professor at Emory University’s medical school, showed that by using eGMS, physicians were able to lower the rate of hypoglycemia in patients. Additionally, studies revealed that intensive glucose control saves money for the provider and patient.

“Our rate of hypoglycemia among critically ill patients was not at a level we were comfortable with,” said Robert Jansen, Grady’s chief medical officer and chief of staff, in a statement. “As we worked to improve our care model, the clinical research conducted by Dr. Umpierrez using the Glytec system showed that the system has real merit. We were unanimous in our decision to use eGMS.”

The eGMS integrates with Grady’s existing electronic medical record system, which allows physicians to access patients’ diabetes information and all their other medical background in one place. The diabetes system includes options for personalized insulin dosing and blood glucose check alerts.

“We are truly honored to work with Dr. Umpierrez and excited to embark on multiple new studies that further examine the quality, safety and financial implications of glycemic management,” said Raymie McFarland, vice president of quality initiatives at Glytec, in a statement.