Data management software

[Administrator]

We've been brainstorming how to make Diabetes.co.uk even better, and were really interested in what people thought of using data management software to analyse blood glucose results?

Is anyone out there using software to analyse their results? Is it making a positive difference? Is some software better than others?

Best regards,

Dan
(Admin)

 

[Dennis]

Hi Dan,

Yes, I use it and I find it very helpful. But I wrote it myself using Excel.

 

[tubolard]

I use Abbott's CoPilot which is OK. I can export data to Excel and make up my own graphs.

Regards, Tubs.

 

[sugarless sue]

I use Onetouch software to input and print out graphs etc.It is useful.

 

[sixfoot]

WINGLUCOFACTS..........used the results on the last 2 hba1c away wins both matches

But however good the software its only as good as what you put in.

Dave P

 

[cugila]

I use Accu-CheK Compass software and frequently my DNS gets me to e-mail monthly results. It shows exactly what, if any improvement is being made at a glance. Print out of reports keeps me up to speed as well.

 

[EricD]

I made a Spreadsheet in OpenOffice which I print and take to my GP at every appointment. I also have Accu-Chek Compass software but prefer to use my own because I can make it look and work exactly as I want.

 

[Stuboy]

I use the One Touch Software and the EzManager software for my pump (you can upload meter data to that as well) I also make up my own spreadsheets and graphs and focused analasys... ie... fasting only readings.

I prefer the professional version of the one touch software because you can join the dots on a standard day report, but you can't on the patient version... which i think is stupid.

That particular report is excellent to seeing tends in BG over a past week or something if you're making a change then reviewing what affect that change had... particularly when starting a pump and getting basals correct.

i like to see pie charts as well giving percentages of hypo, under, over and in target seperated by the time slot of the day. ie, before and after each meal. That can also help identify where any problem times are and where the attention needs to be focused.

Data management software in my opinion is only as good as the reports! I dont see much value i them if they can't give you valuable information in a format that's easy and clear to use and understand.

 

[jopar]

I’ve used a couple different management programs, but sadly have found with each they’ve have lacked what I really wanted…

But I am constantly frustrated by the lack of these different programs, as they haven’t really though what information that diabetics might really want form there software..

So if you can sort out a program that will upload information off both insulin pumps and meters…

Other options that I would like to see;

The ability to compare and over lay, information of insulin injected, carbs eaten and Bg’s results… this would actually give a better idea of what is actually happening with your control…

A software program that can retrieve the information from the different meters and insulin pumps not just one manufacturer, as I find because of my need to test frequently a day, that manually entering this information is a nightmare indeed, as it is so time consuming…

 

[Stuboy]

I'd love to see some Insulin charts that maps out your daily insulin profile, based on much you take, how long it remains in your system and what your basal rate is.

 

[Trinkwasser]

I mainly use software to produce pretty graphs.

They impress the hell out of the doctors and nurses (and one pharmacist who queried why I needed to buy strips) and they help keep me in line

 

[philg]

I use software that I have written myself and find it very useful for analysis.
I have written a windows version, using c# and SQL Server, on which I can log BG, Food Intake, Medication(Metformin etc.), Insulin injections and exercise.
This version can be used to report and graph any combination of BG, Carbs and Insulin including comparing Fasting BG with Basal(bedtime) injection ehich I have found very useful for adjusting my basal dose.
I am currently writing a Web application which I am hoping to develop to do the same sort of analysis.
I have not addressed the automatic downloading of data from meters yet but intend to look at this in the future.

Phil

 

[Geoff]

Hi Phill, how about making your software available for others to try out?

 

[deadwood2]

I've started logging data using excel. No idea how that's going to develop or what I'll use it for, but I can't see the silly little card jobs being any use for trend analysis / comparison - and that seems to be what it's all about!

 

[philg]

Hi Geoff

I am intending to make the software available to others when I am happy that it is accurate and when I have had time to write the user help files. I have only been recording my own results since 30 December 2008 and have been adding functionality ever since.
When I have a beta version fit for others to use I will post on here for other people to use and suggest additional functionality that I may have ommited.

Phil

 

[ricsdix]

I think the data management software is good is the case of reports...