Bayer Makes Healthcare Fun for Kids

In 2007, there were approximately 23.6 million people living with diabetes. And with obesity making a steady climb diabetes is showing no signs of slowing down. And as people faced with the daily task of managing their condition with testing and administering insulin can attest, it isn’t the most pleasant job in the world with the constant pricking of the finger for blood to check blood sugar levels, insulin injections, and restricted diet. Living with a diabetes is a 24/7 job that adults can have trouble staying on top of, but what about the increasing number of kids being diagnosed with childhood diabetes?

Pharmaceutical giant Bayer has come up with a clever and innovative way to ensure that kids can have a good time with diabetes management. Bayer UK and Ireland have recently debuted the Bayer DIDGET, the first blood glucose meter designed specifically with kids in mind. What makes it so special? Designed for children aged 5-14, the DIDGET connects directly to the Nintendo’s handheld systems, the Nintendo DS and DS Lite. The DIDGET was conceived with the help of a parent who noticed that his child could never find his testing materials but always knew the whereabouts of his GAME BOY. Once connected to one of the devices, the DIDGET has a choice of two games, Knock ‘Em Downs™: World’s Fair video game and Mini Game Arcade.

So how does DIDGET get kids to do that pesky testing? Via the tried and true reward method of course. Every time the child test their glucose level, they’re awarded points that can be used to unlock new content within the games, thus helping kids develop the routine that will keep them in good health and giving parents some much needed stress release. Additional points are awarded for staying within their target range and for maintaining a testing schedule of three times a day for week going up to 90 days. There is also a newly created web community for DIDGET users that gives them access to even more games.

The easy-to-read DIDGET comes with two levels of testing. The basic testing level is simple, just insert the test strip and it’s ready to go. The advanced testing level still has the simple test and go system but also has customizable features to allow for personalized treatment regimens for children including markers reminding children to test before and after meals. Unfortunately, the DIDGET is only available in the UK and Ireland at this time, but if you visit the US version of the DIDGET site, there’s a message inviting those wanting to learn more about the groundbreaking product to sign up to recieve updates and new on the upcoming release.

About the Author
Sherri is a freelance writer that has a love of all things fun and geeky including gadgets, gaming, anime, and comics. When she isn't writing or out on the town living it up, she loves doing 10-12 hour marathon sessions on her Xbox 360 or one of her older consoles. It's not an addiction, it's a way of life!
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