_{26 June 2012}

Diabetes App Challenge to improve healthcare

A new competition is inviting young people aged 16 to 25 to design and test internet and mobile phone applications – 'apps' – which will help people with diabetes get the most out of their healthcare appointments.

The Diabetes App Challenge is part of a research project, funded by Diabetes UK, which aims to identify how young people with the condition can receive more effective care.

Young people with diabetes can often struggle to maintain good blood glucose levels, which is essential to managing the condition and staying healthy. Figures show that only 13 per cent of people between the age of 16 and 24 in England and Wales achieve their target blood glucose level.

Dr Iain Frame, Director of Research at Diabetes UK, said, "Improving glucose control in teenagers is vital in reducing their risk of diabetes-related complications in later life. At this age, in particular, young people begin to take on more responsibility in managing their own condition.

"This is why at Diabetes UK we are constantly looking for ways in which we can engage with people of this age group to best support them to look after themselves. We are pleased to support this novel research project that will help to give young people with diabetes a say in their own care. We hope that the apps produced through the competition enable them to set the agenda and get the most out of their care appointments."