Ευφυές, ολοκληρωμένο και συμβουλευτικό σύστημα διαχείρισης σακχαρώδη διαβήτη

Abstract

In the course of this thesis an integrated Diabetes Management System for Diabetes Mellitus (DM) patients was developed, especially those suffering from Diabetes Type I. While designing and developing this system the needs of all relevant users was taken into consideration and at the same time the most advanced technological tools were used. The main aim of the developed system was i) the use of user friendly technology (DM patients, their families, carers and physicians), ii) the design of a system whose users will capitalize on the benefits offered by technology advances while their everyday life and habits remain unchanged, iii) the improvement of DM patients‘ quality of everyday life, while at the same time offer an increased feeling of health security. The system, which is supported by the appropriate telecommunication platform for the remote monitoring and management of diabetes patients, comprises of the following components: i) Diabetes Management System (DMS), ii) Mobile Phone Application, iii) website for the news updates and the management of the DMS. DMS consists of a central database system, an application for patient data to be managed by physicians, an application for patient data to be managed by the DM patients themselves and a number of interfaces between the DMS and other subsystems. Emphasis has been given to the use of data integrity mechanisms as well as to the secure transmission and storage of the data and its analysis results. Via this system an individualized approach to consulting DM patients, on a treatment and daily needs level, is achieved. More specifically, the DM patient‘s data is transmitted to the physician either via the website or via the mobile phone. The physician using the appropriate tools, analyses the data and issues to the point, early and efficient interventions in order to improve the individual‘s health status. These interventions, that range from simple ones, such as how to use the syringe or follow a diet regime, to complex ones such as changing the insulin dosage or even alerting the patient that he/she requires medical attention, when available, immediately update all the DM patient, relevant applications. Moreover the system allows for the automatic support of the patient‘s treatment using an appropriate computational model. This model, using historical patient data suggests the optimal insulin dosage. During its pilot the system was used to suggest the dosage of injected insulin. Finally, the system supports the secure and timely update of the patient electronic health record, by inserting on a continuous basis, with vital information that will help him/her with his disease guidance as well as in future reports.