J&J Adds HealthKit Functionality To OneTouch Mobile App

By Jof Enriquez,
Follow me on Twitter @jofenriq

Johnson & Johnson's LifeScan, Inc. claims to be the first major manufacturer to link its glucometers with Apple's HealthKit platform by syncing its diabetes-monitoring mobile app, OneTouch Reveal, with Apple's own health app and similar third-party health apps that run on iOS devices. The added functionality means that users of LifeScan's OneTouch Verio Sync Meter, through its accompanying Reveal app, can now view their blood sugar readings on iPhones, iPads, and iPod Touch devices, and share the data with others, including their health care providers.

According to MobiHealthNews, a "few glucose-related glitches" marred the launch of HealthKit more than a year ago. Specifically, Apple presented different measurement units for blood sugar, and makers of diabetes monitoring systems were unsure if Apple's platform was ready to exchange data with medical devices securely and accurately.

“It made all of us, internally here, say ‘How sophisticated is this? How ready is this?” said David DeJonghe, LifeScan’s worldwide director of marketing, digital engagement and new product development, in an interview with MobiHealthNews. “We spent a good period of time checking how secure it was, and [that it had the] right units of measure and the right information from our devices to make sure we are getting protection of the data from a regulated glucose device. And we now feel comfortable and we are the first of the major manufacturers to do this.”

Now that integration problems have seemingly been ironed out, Reveal app users will be able to port and sync to iOS7 and above-run devices their glucose data, carbohydrates, meal plans, activity, and medications, as well as share data to their healthcare team using text messaging or e-mail.

While the deal to integrate their diabetes monitoring technology to a cloud-based platform such as HealthKit is helpful, Johnson & Johnson says basic access to diabetes care, insulin, supplies and education, is likewise crucial in combating the disease, which has become increasingly prevalent in both developed and developing countries.

So, on the occasion of World Diabetes Day 2015 on November 14, and in support of the International Diabetes Federation's (IDF) Life for a Child program, LifeScan plans to donate 1.3 million OneTouch brand glucose test strips for underserved children with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.

In a statement, Dr. Brian Levy, chief medical officer, LifeScan, remarked, "For the nearly 400 million people worldwide living with diabetes, management needs to be approached holistically – looking not only at blood glucose levels, but also insights gleaned from how factors like diet and exercise, as well as insulin and other medications impact individual treatment regimens.  The only way this can be done successfully is by allowing patients to gather, combine, and share their data in ways that are easier and more intuitive for them. We're thrilled to offer this new connectivity and ultimately help people have access to the information they need using the tools of their choice to better manage their diabetes."