Diabetology 4.0: Scoping Review of Novel Insights and Possibilities Offered by Digitalization (Preprint)

Abstract

BACKGROUND Increasing prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) and associated morbidity, worldwide, justify the need to create new approaches and strategies for diabetic therapy. Therefore, the ongoing digitalization offers novel opportunities. OBJECTIVE The aim of this paper is to give an updated overview of available diabetes technologies and possibilities and novel insights in diabetes therapy 4.0. METHODS A scoping review was carried out. A search for literature was performed in electronic databases (MEDLINE (PubMed), Cochrane Library, EMBASE, CINAHL and Web of Science). The results were categorized by the type of technology that was presented. RESULTS Different types of technology (glucose monitoring systems, insulin-pens, insulin-pumps, closed-loop systems, mHealth-apps, telemedicine and electronic medical records) may help to improve diabetes treatment. The improvements affect glycemic control primarily. But, they also help to increase autonomy and quality of life of people who were diagnosed with DM. CONCLUSIONS Diabetes technologies developed fast over the last years and offer novel insights and a chance in diabetes therapy to improve and individualize diabetes treatment. Challenges that need to be addressed in the next years relate to data security, interoperability and the creation of standards. CLINICALTRIAL Not applicable.