Diabetes? There's a DiAppBetes for that

Southampton doctors have developed a smartphone app to improve the treatment of patients with diabetes while they are in hospital.

DiAppBetes was created by critical care expert Dr Sanjay Gupta and acute medicine and diabetes consultant Dr Mayank Patel, who work at Southampton General Hospital.

It provides information to support non-specialist doctors and nurses who need to look after diabetic patients in hospital.

The app, which is currently available for download on the iPhone and iPad, gives users information on the safe and effective use of insulin as well as dose adjustment advice.

It also has a search tool offering guidance on different treatments and advice on circumstances that warrant specialist input.

A University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust spokesperson said up to 20% of all adult patients in UK hospitals have diabetes.

While some patients are admitted as a direct result of the illness, many require treatment for unrelated health problems.

Then, they may be cared for by medical staff who do not have the expertise to manage diabetes alongside their other conditions.

This increases the risk of insulin errors, which can significantly impact on a patient’s health.

Dr Patel said the app would help reduce unnecessary hospital stays as diabetes patients could spend between five to ten additional days in hospital if their condition was neglected.

Dr Gupta, who also developed the MicroGuide - a smartphone app to help clinicians treat patients with infections - said this was the first app dedicated to helping medical staff in all specialties to make quick and safe decisions about diabetes.

“It marks another milestone in our journey to provide medical teams with the best expert advice at the bedside through the latest technological advances,” Dr Gupta said.