Research milestone to enhance diabetes management

New standards of interoperability for diabetes devices have been published by the Centre for Global eHealth Innovation at the University Health Network (UHN).
Interoperability refers to the effective delivery of healthcare from organisations working together, with these new standards set to help diabetes care devices communicate with one another and other devices.
These new protocols will define how insulin pumps, continuous glucose monitors (CGM) and blood glucose monitors connect with different devices.
New diabetes protocols
Dr. Joseph Cafazzo at UHN, has piloted the development of new published standards so communication between a CGM and either a smartphone or computer, for example, has clearer definitions.
Previously, the proprietary communications systems of manufacturers have made it tricky for researchers to build upon existing technology, especially across different platforms.
This work, funded by the JDRF Canadian Clinical Trial Network (JDRF CCTN), has the goal of enabling interoperability by establishing consistent data protocols and universal understanding of device data.
Another hope is that the development of artificial pancreas systems and new diabetes data could impact how patients use diabetes technology for years to come.
“This is a long-awaited milestone for manufacturers, researchers, and for people with diabetes,” said Dr. Cafazzo.
“There are now defined, open standards where previously none was available. This will ultimately accelerate the ability of companies to produce new technologies for the improved management of diabetes and for developing artificial pancreas systems.”