Evaluation of a combined blood glucose monitoring and gaming system (Didget®) for motivation in children, adolescents, and young adults with type 1 diabetes

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the performance and acceptability of a blood glucose meter coupled with a gaming system for children, adolescents, and young adults with type 1 diabetes. During an in-clinic visit, duplicate blood samples were tested by subjects (N = 147; aged 5-24 yr) and health care providers (HCPs) to evaluate the accuracy and precision of the Didget® system. Subjects' meter results were compared against Yellow Springs Instruments (YSI) reference results and HCP results using least squares regression and error grid analyses. Precision was measured by average within-subject and within-HCP coefficient of variation (CV). During the home-use component of this study, subjects (n = 58) tested their blood glucose at least two to three times daily for 3-5 d to evaluate routine use of the system. Subjects' meter results showed significant correlations with both YSI (r(2) = 0.94; p < 0.001 for regression slope) and HCP results (r(2) = 0.96; p < 0.001). Average within-subject and within-HCP CVs were 5.9 and 7.2%, respectively. Overall satisfaction was assessed by subjects, their parents or guardians, and HCP surveys. Subject satisfaction with the Didget® system was good to excellent; most subjects found the system easy to use, motivating, and helpful for building good blood glucose monitoring habits. Most HCPs agreed that the system fulfilled a need in diabetes management. In conclusion, the Didget® system was precise and clinically accurate in the hands of children, adolescents, and young adults with type 1 diabetes.

The Use of Videogames, Gamification, and Virtual Environments in the Self-Management of Diabetes: A Systematic Review of Evidence

“…21 The final study tested the effects of the glucometer in conjunction with the Nintendo DSÔ. 28 Study methodology. Of the studies reviewed, five studies were quantitative, 19 and one was qualitative.…”

“…Four studies were based on videogames, [19][20][21][22] three studies used VEs, [23][24][25] and three studies used principles of gamification for the management of diabetes. [26][27][28] Three studies reviewed used a randomized control trial (RCT) design. 19,22,25 Five were quasi-experimental, 23,24,[26][27][28] one was a qualitative focus group discussion, 20 and one study was of an independent measures experimental design.…”

“…[26][27][28] Three studies reviewed used a randomized control trial (RCT) design. 19,22,25 Five were quasi-experimental, 23,24,[26][27][28] one was a qualitative focus group discussion, 20 and one study was of an independent measures experimental design. 21 In addressing RQ1, a summary of the reviewed studies' characteristics is presented in Table 1.…”

The Serious Games Ecosystem: Interdisciplinary and Intercontextual Praxis

“…Didget [153] is a physical blood glucose reader that interfaces directly with a Nintendo DS handheld console and game associated with it. Through checking and maintaining acceptable glucose levels regularly, they are rewarded with in-game items.…”

Glycemic Variability in the Use of Point-of-Care Glucose Meters

“…28 Innovative recent approaches have tried to include active, relevant games with the procedure of glucose measurement, but these are not yet firmly established. 29 In contrast to teaching methods that are tailored to youth, those for older patients must address very different educational needs. Such patients tend to learn poorly from manuals alone, faring better with a visual edu- cation format that includes re-testing in 2 weeks.…”