Developing personalised diabetic platform using a design science research methodology.

Abstract

Type II diabetes is a rapidly growing non-communicable chronic disease that is causing significant concern to healthcare systems around the world. As there is no foreseeable cure, the most effective solution is to focus on strategies to control blood glucose levels by regular monitoring of diet, exercise, and when necessary, medication management. In today's environment, to do so effectively necessitates the need for a personalised self-management technology solution which can help patients take control of their diabetes. This chapter presents initial data from a research in progress study focused on designing a personalised diabetic application. The authors proffer a design science research methodology (DSRM) approach to design, develop, and ultimately, evaluate a patient-centric diabetes platform. This application is not only a smart patient empowering solution which serves to guide patients and assist their care team with regard to diet, exercise, medication and their respective impacts on blood sugar levels but is also designed to be culturally sensitive.