Nesrin Sen Celasin
Celal Bayar University, Turkey
Title: The use of technology to improve the management of diabetes mellitus in adolesents
Biography
Biography: Nesrin Sen Celasin
Abstract
Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) is a complex, demanding disease, requiring frequent self-monitoring of blood glucose levels and the adjusting of insulin doses, diet, and exercise accordingly. The goal of optimal diabetes management is to keep blood glucose levels within a target range. Diabetes control in adolescence is significantly poorer than in other age groups, it is vital to develop interventions that resonate with adolescents and maximize good diabetes control prior to adulthood. Today, technology is playing a growing role in the management of chronic diseases. Technology can be utilized to help adolescents manage diabetes. Because, research has demonstrated that adolescents have significant exposure to technology on a daily basis. Adolescents use on average 7 hr and 38 min of social media per day. Researchers are increasingly focusing on various technologies to deliver health management, healthcare information, behavioural support and behavioural intervention in T1DM paediatric populations. Examples of the use of mobile technology have included telehealth via telephone or videoconferencing technology, CD-ROMs, private networks to link patients with particular health issues and web-based interventions available via the internet. Technology for teens with T1DM has been successfully used in three primary ways: (1) technology that can directly impact day to-day management of diabetes (e.g. insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors); (2) technology that allows for information and support directly from a health care provider that does not involve in-person interactions (e.g. telehealth and cell phones); and (3) technology that allows for individuals to access information and support for behaviours.