Telstra has launched a mobile phone application that can help people with diabetes to monitor their blood glucose levels more frequently.

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The Telstra Diabetes Management Online Service involves transmitting blood glucose readings wirelessly from a Bluetooth enabled blood glucose meter to a compatible mobile phone running a specialised application.
 
The mobile sends the information over the Telstra Next G network into the secure database. These results can then be accessed via a portal on a Next G mobile phone, or online, by the patient and their GP or other care provider.
 
Diabetes Australia’s Acting CEO, Greg Johnson, said, “Diabetes currently affects an estimated 1.5 million Australians, and around 275 Australians develop diabetes every day. Breakthroughs in technology that help to improve people’s diabetes management can also help to reduce the serious complications of diabetes, including heart attack, stroke, kidney damage, blindness and amputation.”
 
Telstra’s Product Management’s Executive Director, Christophe Bur said, “The Telstra Diabetes Management Online Service technology gives diabetes patients a simple and more reliable way to track their blood glucose levels and send their results quickly. This solution is specifically designed to help diabetes patients and their care givers better manage their condition.” 

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By purchasing a MyGlucoHealth Wireless blood glucose meter and subscribing to the service, Telstra customers are able to send their glucose test results to a secure online portal. The benefits include being able to share these results with their GP, the ability to chart glucose averages across three or six months and receiving helpful reminders to your mobile phone.
 
Another great benefit is that when a customer registers a reading that is above their desired threshold agreed with their health professional, SMS notifications are sent to them and their care team. The product can also be used for medication reminders and reminders to perform a blood glucose test.
 
“By utilising new generation solutions together with Telstra’s advanced technologies and network, we have been able to come up with a solution that is right for patients, right for care givers and right for healthcare as a whole,” concluded Bur.
 
Charges for the Telstra Diabetes Management Online Service are only $30 per month (plus data charges) and are charged to a customer’s Telstra bill.

The MyGlucoHealth Wireless blood glucose meter is available from authorised distributors for a recommended retail price of $125 plus delivery. More information about the service, including joining the service, is available online at www.bigpond.com/health/my-glucose/