Health informatics is the study of resources and methods for the management of health information. These advancements in health informatics involves many systems and has made it where devices can positively impact the pediatric and teenage diabetic populations.  The benefits of electronics and technology allows patients to stay on top of their illness which gives them self-confidence and hands on experiences. A patient portal to information means that the client can have health care information and recommendations at the fingertips. This is especially important for people who suffer from chronic illnesses like diabetes.  In the United States 68% of the population owns a smartphone, that being said I would hope that other 32% have a computer or some form of access to technology (Anderson, 2015). There are vast improvements and advances in mobile phone technology along with telecommunication and its applications. With this being said, it gives families and patients more options to access to healthcare information.  Diabetes is growing in pandemic proportion and must be addressed in every way. This disease must be contained or eradicated. If patients can monitor their insulin levels, engage in dialogue with providers or their doctor for help, it will help the patient be able to manage and understand their illness better all while being closer with his or her provider. 

 

 

 

With the advancements in technology and becoming more portable is making life easier and allowing efficient self-care. A great boost for doctors and patients is the ability to use smartphone apps. Doctors use it to access case studies for clinical knowledge, while patients use it to have access to information and to better understand and manage their disease.  A few technologies that have improved and allowed clients to be more aware of their health disease is smartphone advancements, insulin pumps, and Continuous Glucose Meters (CGM).  Insulin pump technology has also made huge advancements since the first wearable insulin pump was invented by Dean Kamen in 1976 (International Journal of Clinical Practice, 2016). Since the invention of insulin pumps, thousands of people living with diabetes, young and old, have more control of their insulin delivery. I do not have diabetes but I have compassion for the individuals that do. I can’t imagine having to take injections to control my insulin levels. With advancements in health informatics and the developments in Insulin pumps fewer injections and many people are leading a more flexible and healthier lifestyle. The new advancements in pump option is great for athletes and people on the go. With technology improving this also allows for a precise insulin dosing that can lead to improved performance and energy levels. Improvements in technology continue to make it easier to manage diabetes. Every little tweak or change and new option on the market makes a difference. Medtronic has had some ground breaking advancements with its Medtronic Minimed 630G, which is an insulin pump (Healthy Living Medical Supply, 2016). Here are a few exciting features that are options for patients. First there is remote insulin dosing with wireless delivery of meds. There are safe guards that stop insulin delivery if a patient levels go below a certain level. There are waterproof protections, color screens and two way Bluetooth connections that allow multiple devices to interact with each other. This software is constantly being upgraded to continue to improve the product. CGM’s are similar to insulin pumps due to the fact they are also placed under the skin.  A CGM monitors the person with diabetes blood glucose levels consistently and then transmits the data to a separate device (JDRF, 2016).   It’s been said that “knowledge is power” and there is nothing more powerful than good health.