Info: First iPhone Blood Glucose Meter Approved by FDA

On Tuesday, the FDA announced approval of the first blood glucose monitor that connects directly with the iPhone. This technology is a further example of how the integration of mobile devices with health-monitoring equipment is continuing. The product is called iBGStar and is developed by Sanofi and AgaMatrix and allows individuals with diabetes to quickly and accurately check and store their blood glucose readings on their iPhones. Apple is delighted by the regulatory approval of this device, which showcases the role Apple products such as the iPhone and iPad will play in the rapidly-growing field of healthcare and more specifically, mobile healthcare.

The iBGStar works alongside the Diabetes Manager app, which will store glucose readings, monitor carbohydrate and insulin doses and alert the individual to any severe change in blood sugar level. The device can be used separately from the iPhone and plugged in later to allow it to sync the data.

This is not the first health product to integrate with the iPhone. Earlier this year, a blood pressure cuff was approved for use with the iPhone and iPad. As time marches on, the iPhone's ability to provide medical assistance will continue to grow, say trends forecasters. Many point to an iPhone in the distant future that can sample breath, blood and saliva and analyze it for illnesses or diseases. Professionals in the health field are already using mobile devices increasingly in their practices and it is very likely integration of healthcare and mobile technology will be warmly received.

Devices such as iBGStar are also raising the ability for doctors and patients to communicate. IBGStar's share function allows for patients to send their glucose readings to their doctor, which helps lead to better communication, management and collaboration. The device is already available in Germany, Switzerland, France, the Netherlands and Italy and will be on American shelves soon.

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