Take a moment to think about your Number 1 health goal. Is it weight loss, blood glucosestabilisation, fitness, remembering your diabetes medication or something else? I can almost guarantee that whatever your goal, there is an application software, commonly referred to as an ‘app’, that has been developed to assist you in achieving it.

On a Google search of “diabetes appsâ€, you will be overwhelmed by the range available. Currently there are over 1000 apps for the management of diabetes, however if your goal is better health in general the figure explodes to over 40,000. The choices
are growing and with many apps having multiple functions, how do you choose the right one for you?

Choosing an app
Don’t be deterred by the infinite choice because there are ways to find the app that most suits you and your goal, but first you need to be clear on your goal. After you have defined this, the simplest way to find the best tool is to conduct a Google search (or using any form of search engine) and type in “What is the best [insert your health goal here] app?â€. For example, your goal may be weight loss, therefore you would type “What is the best weight loss app?â€.

The search result will include websites that have rated the relevant apps by users just like you. From there, it is a matter of reading the reviews and looking at the advantages and disadvantages for each app and deciding which sounds best suited to your needs.

Fees and devices not obligatory
Many apps are free of charge, so it is often a good idea to download a few to try. This will allow you to find out what works for you. Many apps then have the option
of upgrading, often for a small fee, to improved functionality or access to more features/tools. But do you need a smartphone to use an app?

Apps are most commonly used on smartphones or tablet devices but many can also be used from a home-based computer, so you don’t need to feel like you are missing out if you are not carrying around the latest piece of technology in your back pocket or handbag.

But do apps help diabetes?
The answer is variable. My clients who have smartphones or computers and are comfortable using its many functions and who have a specific diabetes or health-related goal do find apps useful tools. However, to be useful, the app needs to be
fit for purpose, i.e. suit the goal you are trying to achieve. There is no point having an app that simply allows you to enter your blood glucose levels (BGLs) when your issue may be needing to remember to take your diabetes medication.

One other key factor for apps being useful is that they must be simple to use and provide equally useful information. There is little point entering information into your phone or computer multiple times a day if it only creates a static chart or unreadable graph that provides no further insight into your health.

The Australian market has had a recent explosion of wearable fitness trackers, many of which are worn like a watch and will monitor steps taken, calories burnt, distance
walked, stairs climbed and even the quality of your sleep. Although many of these are best used in conjunction with a computer or smartphone, some of these devices provide all the information without any additional resources. Personal fitness trackers can be excellent motivational tools and can help to improve health and wellbeing.

In Summary
There is a plethora of apps and other technology available to assist you with managing your diabetes and achieving your health goals. What you need is a clear goal and a keenness to embrace the technology that is often within arm’s reach. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, try something new and have fun, you may be pleasantly surprised by the world of opportunities that await you.

Top Diabetes and Health Apps

Diabetes

• Glucose Buddy
• Diabetes Buddy
• Rapid Cal
• RealTime Health
• dlife
• OnTrack Diabetes
• iBGStar

Diet

• My Fitness Pal
• Carb & Cals
• Calorie King
• DAFNE online
• FoodSwitch
• The snack app

Exercise

• RunKeeper
• My Fitness Pal
• Calorie King
• mapmywalk
• Nike Training
• Couch-to-5k
• 7 Minute Workout
• Daily Workouts

Natalie Wischer, RN, BN, RM, CDE, Grad Dip Mgt, is Executive Director Australian Diabetes Online Services

This article was originally published in Conquest Magazine published by Health Publishing Australia