The #1 Way to Stay Hydrated If You Have Diabetes, According to a Dietitian

From eatingwell.com

Drinking up just got a whole lot easier! 

Key Takeaways

• Hydration plays a key role in healthy blood sugar and it keeps you energized.
• Yet, it can be difficult to remember to drink enough water to stay hydrated. 
• Carrying a water bottle is an easy way to help you get the fluids you need.

Limiting carbohydrates, staying active and prioritizing protein and fibre often steal the spotlight when it comes to managing diabetes. However, there’s one simple but powerful strategy that often gets overlooked: hydration. Drinking water sounds easy enough, but falling short could have a big impact on your blood sugar and metabolic health. 

Why is hydration so important for people with diabetes? Water makes up 60% to 75% of our bodies and plays an instrumental role in every single one of its functions. “If the body becomes dehydrated, blood sugar becomes more concentrated, leading to higher blood sugar levels and an increased strain on the body organs, like the kidneys, as they work to eliminate the excess glucose in urine,” says Erin Palinski-Wade, RD, CDE, a New Jersey-based registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator and author of 2 Day Diabetes Diet. 

While staying hydrated supports healthy blood sugar levels, research shows it also improves overall metabolic health, potentially reducing the risk of weight gain, obesity and heart disease. Hydration is also associated with improved cognition, energy levels and mood, which may make it easier to eat better and exercise. 

If drinking more water feels like a constant struggle, there’s one habit that’s sure to help you stay hydrated: keeping a water bottle on hand. We spoke with a diabetes expert to find out why it’s so effective. Here’s what she told us. 

How Carrying a Water Bottle Can Help You Stay Hydrated 

                                                        Photo: 

Design elements: Getty Images. EatingWell design

Carrying a water bottle with you, whether you’re at home, running errands or working, keeps hydration top of mind and helps you stay ahead of thirst. “If you wait until you feel thirsty, you are already slightly dehydrated, which can lead to elevated blood sugar levels along with fatigue,” says Palinski-Wade. “Having a water bottle with you gives you a visual reminder to drink, which helps to make sure you are consistently taking in water all day long.” 

It also provides an easy way to gauge how much you’ve had to drink and how much more you need to hit your daily water goals. Just like carrying a snack helps prevent dips in blood sugar and energy levels, having a water bottle on hand will help you avoid the effects of dehydration, including headaches, fatigue and high blood sugar. 

Plus, when you’ve got water nearby, you’re less likely to stop for a soda or sugar-sweetened drink. Not only do sugary drinks spike blood sugar, they may ironically contribute to dehydration. “If you consume an excessive amount of added sugar, this can draw water from your cells into the bloodstream, increasing urination and impairing fluid balance,” says Palinski-Wade. Even specialty hydration drinks can have added sugars. That doesn’t mean all hydration drinks are bad. Some are sugar-free. To find out for sure, check the Nutrition Facts panel on the label.

Of course, you may be wondering how much fluid you need each day to stay hydrated. While the answer is different for everybody, a good goal is roughly 13 cups for men and 9 cups for women. However, your unique needs may differ depending on the temperature, if you exercise and your body weight, medications and health conditions. 

Other Strategies for Hydration

Make carrying a water bottle a habit you’ll stick with by choosing a bottle that sparks joy, is lightweight, comfortable to hold and won’t leak when tossed in a bag or the car. 

These other strategies can also help improve your hydration game.

• Track Your Water: Whether you’re just starting your hydration journey or trying to stay consistent, logging your water intake can help you stay on track. “You can use apps such as MyFitnessPal to track your fluid intake or use your phone to set reminders to drink throughout the day,” says Palinski-Wade. Monitoring your water intake can also help you identify patterns when you’re more likely to forget to drink water. 
• Add Low-Sugar Flavour: If plain water feels boring, try sprucing it up with fresh fruit and herbs, like this no-sugar-added Lemon, Cucumber & Mint Infused Water. You can also alternate regular water with plain or flavoured sparkling water. Or, try adding a sugar-free flavour packet to your H2O.  
• Eat Hydrating Foods: Drinks aren’t the only way to hit your daily fluid goals. Foods provide 20% of our daily fluids, especially hydrating foods like fruits and veggies. “Try adding foods such as cucumber, watermelon, lettuce and celery to your plate to boost your water intake,” says Palinski-Wade. Not only do these foods give you fluids, they’re packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fibre to support balanced blood sugar and overall health. 
• Check Your Urine Colour: It may sound strange, but a quick and easy way to measure your hydration status is by simply checking the colour of your pee. Light-coloured urine is a sign of adequate hydration. The darker the urine becomes, the more likely it is that you need to drink up.

• The Bottom Line 

  Hydration may not get as much attention as carbohydrates or exercise when it comes to managing diabetes. But it plays a key role in healthy blood sugar levels and can help you feel healthier and more energetic overall. That’s why staying ahead of your thirst by keeping a water bottle on hand is the No. 1 habit to support healthy hydration while managing diabetes. For the best results, pair this habit with other expert-approved strategies like tracking your water intake, drinking no-added-sugar beverages, eating hydrating foods and monitoring your urine colour. So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to drink up!

• https://www.eatingwell.com/habit-more-hydrated-for-diabetes-11715677
  

Type 2 diabetes risk reduced by high muscle strength

From diabetes.co.uk/news

High muscle strength can prevent the “future risk” of developing type 2 diabetes, latest research has highlighted.

Academics from the University of Hong Kong have found that people with higher muscle strength are 40% less likely to develop type 2 diabetes compared to those with lower muscle strength.

Individuals with type 2 diabetes are at greater risk of developing several health complications, such as cardiovascular disease, narrowed blood vessels, a stroke and high blood pressure.

Roughly 10% of people around the world are living with type 2 diabetes – a chronic condition where the body either does not produce enough insulin, or the body’s cells do not respond properly to the insulin it does produce, leading to high blood sugar levels.

Genetic traits and poor lifestyle factors can cause type 2 diabetes, experts have said.

• Skinny Type 2 Diabetes

Good muscular fitness can combat the development of type 2 diabetes and other cardiometabolic diseases.

First author Professor Ryan Au Yeung said: “This study highlights the significance of Biobank studies in examining the interaction between exposures and genetics in influencing the risk of type 2 diabetes.

“Further research utilising ethnic-specific Biobank studies is needed to determine if these findings are applicable to other populations, such as East Asians.”

Fellow author Professor Youngwon Kim said: “Individuals in middle-to-late life are at increased risk of type 2 diabetes.

“However, our study has demonstrated the potential roles of high muscle strength in preventing the future risk of developing type 2 diabetes not only in all individuals, but also individuals with high genetic predisposition to type 2 diabetes.”

Professor Kim concluded: “Our study supports the current public health guidelines which suggest that adults should engage in muscle-strengthening activities for at least two days per week from a disease prevention perspective.”

Read the study in full in the journal BMC Medicine.

https://www.diabetes.co.uk/news/2025/apr/type-2-diabetes-risk-reduced-by-high-muscle-strength.html

Expert Shares 7 Tips To Take Care Of Your Heart If You Have Diabetes

From onlymyhealth.com

Although living with diabetes is difficult, hence, it must be properly managed to keep blood sugar under control and safeguard your heart. In case you were unaware, diabetic patients are more likely to develop heart disease due to high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and raised cholesterol. Therefore, to lower this risk, it is always advised to make educated lifestyle adjustments and heed your doctor's advice. 

In an exclusive interaction with the editorial team of Onlymyhealth, Dr Shrey Kumar Srivastav, Senior Consultant and Physician at Sharda Hospital - Noida shared some expert-backed tips to take care of your heart if you have diabetes.

1. Check Your Blood Sugar

Maintaining your blood sugar within your target range is essential to your overall health and the prevention of heart disease. Dr Srivastav noted that high blood sugar can cause damage to your blood vessels and create complications. Discuss a plan with your healthcare provider to check your glucose levels frequently and make any necessary adjustments in your medication or diet.

2. Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet

Nutrition plays a big role in both diabetes and heart health. Thus, encourage an appropriate diet that is full of:

Fruits and vegetables: Non-starchy include leafy greens, broccoli, and berries.

Whole grains: High-fibre include oatmeal, quinoa, and whole-grain bread.

Healthy fats: Avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil

Lean proteins: Chicken, fish (especially fatty fish like salmon), beans, and tofu.

Other restrictions include saturated fats, trans fats, and processed sugars, which tend to elevate cholesterol levels and create inflammation in the body.

3. Be Active Physically

Exercise helps in maintaining blood sugar, losing weight, and having a healthy heart. Dr Srivastav suggested engaging yourself in moderate-intensity aerobic activities for more than 150 minutes per week. This may include walking, swimming, cycling, or others. Strength training two times a week also helps. Note to never forget to get a doctor's/fitness expert’s recommendation before taking any new exercise regime.

4. Quit Smoking

Smoking is injurious to health and a key contributor to heart disease, especially for diabetic patients. Quitting smoking improves blood circulation, lowers blood pressure, and reduces your risk of heart attacks. 

5. Limit Alcohol Consumption

Additionally, excessive alcohol may elevate blood glucose and blood pressure. If one drinks, moderate consumption is urged; one glass of wine/per day for women; and two for men, of course, when taken with foods to prevent episodes of hypoglycaemia.

6. De-Stress Yourself

Habitual stress raises both blood sugar and blood pressure and negatively impacts heart health. Use techniques such as mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga or tai chi, hobbies, and other ways to reduce your stress levels.

7. Sleep More

Poor sleep may significantly alter blood sugar levels, hence resulting in weight gain and diseases of the heart. Manage to achieve seven to nine hours of quality sleep at night through a consistent bedtime routine, avoiding screen time before bedtime, and making your sleep environment comfortable.

Bottom line

The care of a diabetic's heart involves lifestyle adjustment, regular doctor visits, and an active way of dealing. At times it can also feel like an impossible task but making some little changes now will result in great improvements overall in your well-being and avoid the risk of any heart disease at large.

https://www.onlymyhealth.com/tips-to-take-care-of-your-heart-if-you-have-diabetes-expert-tells-12977824243

You Just Found Out You Have Prediabetes—Here’s What Dietitians Recommend Doing First

From eatingwell.com

The first step: Take a deep breath. You’ve got this 

Key Takeaways

• Nearly 40% of Americans have prediabetes, but most don’t know it.
• A prediabetes diagnosis can be an opportunity to prevent diabetes before it starts.
• Certain lifestyle changes may cut your risk of developing type 2 diabetes by half.

                                                      Photo: 

Design elements: Getty Images. EatingWell design

If your doctor has told you that you have prediabetes, you may feel shocked and rattled. And while there is work to do, you can also think of this warning as a great opportunity to manage your blood sugar better and get your health back on track.

After all, most people don’t get to be in your position. Despite the fact that 98 million Americans are living with prediabetes, 80% don’t know they have it, according to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. Prediabetes is when your blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be considered diabetes. It is diagnosed with tests that look at your blood glucose levels. The most basic is a blood test that measures your fasting plasma glucose. Readings between 100 and 125 mg/dL fall into prediabetes territory. However, your doctor may also—or alternatively—measure your A1C levels. Numbers greater than 5.7% and below 6.5% are also considered prediabetes.

Fortunately, it’s possible to reverse prediabetes to normalize your blood glucose levels. “Lifestyle and dietary modifications in the beginning stages of prediabetes can be the determining factor if you develop type 2 diabetes or not,” says Bridget Wood, RD, CDCES, a registered dietitian and owner of Bridget Wood Wellness. In fact, the right lifestyle changes can cut the risk of diabetes in half. That’s a huge deal because the consequences of not taking action are big. Uncontrolled diabetes is associated with complications such as heart attack, stroke and kidney failure.

So, if you’ve just found out you have prediabetes, here are the things diabetes experts want you to do for better blood sugar and overall health.

1. Don’t Panic

It might be a surprising piece of advice, but that’s the first thing Wood says to clients. When you look into the future, type 2 diabetes does not have to be part of it. And you also don’t have to tackle this alone. “There are resources such as diabetes prevention programs, and if you need more individualized care, working with a registered dietitian nutritionist can help you manage everything at first without feeling overwhelmed,” she says. 

There are a couple of resources to look at. First, the CDC currently offers an online tool that can help you locate a diabetes lifestyle change program near you. Second, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics also has a search tool to find a nutrition expert. All you have to do is enter your ZIP code or city and you can then filter by specialty—in this case, diabetes. 

2. Add Plants to Meals and Snacks

It’s easy to dwell on what you need to remove from your diet. But it can be a more effective change to decide what you can add in to make your eating routine healthier. And the place to start? Add more plant foods. “I encourage focusing on eating more plants, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts and seeds, and eating less meat,” says Sheri Gaw, RDN, CDCES, owner of Sheri The Plant Strong Dietitian. “Unlike animal foods, plants provide fibre, which supports weight management, blood sugar management and lower cholesterol.” She points to a research review that concludes a vegetarian eating pattern may help the body use insulin more efficiently, promote a healthier BMI, and lower body fat and cholesterol levels. Not sure where to start? Grab meal ideas from one of these plant-based diabetes-friendly dinners.

3. Move Your Body

While dietary management can be a good starting point, increasing movement can be another tool to improve insulin function, which may delay or prevent progression to type 2 diabetes, Wood says. Gaw adds that exercise both helps cells take up sugar for energy and supports weight loss. And the resulting weight loss can be especially beneficial for your long-term blood sugar. According to the CDC, losing as little as 5% to 7% of a person’s body weight has been shown to reduce the risk of developing diabetes by 58%. 

While any form of movement is a bonus, if you really want to whip your blood sugar into shape, try a combination of moderate-intensity cardio (such as brisk walking) and resistance training. Research has found that this combo was more effective than either type of exercise alone (or no exercise at all) in improving blood sugar, weight loss and heart health in people with prediabetes. However, even walking can help. Our 30-day walking plan to lower blood sugar can get you started.

4. Reduce Your Intake of Sugar-Sweetened Beverages

“Sugar-sweetened beverages can be a significant source of added sugar and can have more carbohydrates than some of the meals people are consuming if they’re not being mindful of their choices,” says Wood. They are also known to be problematic for heart health. So, if you’ve just been diagnosed with prediabetes, now is a great time to focus on decreasing your intake of sugary beverages like soda, sweet tea and sugar-spiked lattes. 

If you’re not sure where to start, Wood recommends trying one of the many no- or low-sugar soda alternatives out there these days, such as sparkling flavoured waters and low-sugar pre- and probiotic sodas. For more inspo, check out our list of no-added-sugar drinks that are healthy and hydrating.

5. Sleep Well

People with prediabetes are more likely to get less sleep than they need, research shows. Adding fuel to the fire: Getting insufficient sleep is associated with a higher risk of prediabetes. “Poor sleep hygiene can be a hidden source of inflammation and can increase insulin resistance over time, ultimately leading to chronic illness like type 2 diabetes,” says Wood. That said, overhauling your sleep habits takes time. One impactful place to start is by striving for more consistent sleep, meaning going to bed and waking up at regular times. Like insufficient sleep, research suggests that inconsistent sleep is associated with a higher risk of diabetes, as it may promote inflammation.

The Bottom Line

The news that you have prediabetes may get you down at first. But now that you know you have elevated blood sugars, you have the opportunity to take back control of your health. The first step is to not panic. Then, seek out help from professionals like a registered dietitian who can help you make changes to your habits to better manage your blood sugar. Those may include moving toward a more plant-based diet, reducing your intake of sugar-sweetened beverages, fitting in physical activity and prioritizing good sleep. The habit you start with is up to you, says Gaw: “I recommend focusing on the one you are ready to change first."

https://www.eatingwell.com/things-to-do-if-youre-diagnosed-with-prediabetes-11717158

This Is What Happens to Your Body When You Eat Blueberries Every Day

From prevention.com

By Emily Goldman

Plus, what a dietitian wants you to know before adding them to your routine 

From trying a wellness retreat tucked into the Italian Alps to testing the best blood glucose meters for easy blood sugar readings to figuring out which is the best sneaker: Brooks’ Ghost vs. Adrenaline, I’ve done a lot in the name of science. As a type 1 diabetic, so much of what I eat affects my day-to-day life. Anything from an apple to a doughnut can send my blood sugar into a frenzy. This led me to wonder what happens to your body when you eat blueberries every day.

Lauded for their low glycaemic index and high antioxidant count, the delicious blue spheres make for a tasty ingredient in muffins, blended into smoothies, adorning a yogurt bowl, and much more. So, I added about a cup to my routine for over two weeks (eating them straight up, on their own as a snack) to see if I reaped the many purported benefits—of which there seem to be many.

“There is also emerging research on the role of blueberries in gut health and exercise recovery,” explains Lauren Harris-Pincus, M.S., R.D.N., founder of NutritionStarringYOU.com and author of The Everything Easy Pre-Diabetes Cookbook

Research shows that eating blueberries every day may yield health benefits in just two weeks, Pincus points out.

Though their seasonality varies depending on where in the world you’re located, they can be found year-round in the supermarket.

What happened when I ate blueberries every day

As a type 1 diabetic, the biggest benefit I saw from eating blueberries every day was the effect it had on my blood sugar (a.k.a. blood glucose). Swapping my afternoon snack with them instead of a large apple or banana (which have, on average, more carbohydrates) allowed me to maintain more stable blood sugars.

I wear a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), which measures the level of glucose between the layers of my skin. This showed the impact blueberries had on my general blood sugars—mainly, eating around a cup led to fewer spikes, and more even numbers than some higher-carb snacks. As a type 1 diabetic, I do need to administer insulin (I opt for an insulin pump) when I eat anything with carbohydrates (note: carbs, not just sugars).

Although I’m not one for ultra-processed foods, I do enjoy some low-cal, low-carb options from time to time. Swapping these for blueberries led me to feeling more satisfied, less weighed down, and more nourished.

Potential benefits of blueberries

Blood sugars aside, I didn’t notice much of the purported benefits (more specifics below), including getting sick less (in fact, I ended up getting the flu a few days after completing this experiment). But research does note the following health benefits of eating blueberries:

Full of antioxidants

“Antioxidants play an important role in reducing inflammation, and polyphenols found in blueberries are powerful antioxidants that prevent or reverse damage to cells caused by the aging process,” Pincus says. Antioxidants also support the immune system, so eating blueberries consistently may, in theory, help your body fight off illness.

Boost heart health

“Wild blueberries in particular (the tiny ones) have 33% more deep purply blue anthocyanins and two times the antioxidants of ordinary blueberries, which can help protect the cardiovascular system and reduce blood pressure,” Pincus says.

Help with cognition

“Research is showing that wild blueberries can improve the cognitive performance of children and adolescents, and have been shown to slow cognitive decline with aging,” Pincus says. But more research is needed.

Maintain stable blood sugars

This is something that I’ve witnessed firsthand. I saw little spikes in my blood sugar in the hours following eating a cup (something that is not the case when opting for more carbohydrate-dense foods like a banana). Pincus notes that blueberries may help improve insulin sensitivity to assist with maintaining healthy blood sugar levels, and studies back this up too.

Blueberry nutrition

According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), 100 grams of blueberries, or 3.5-ounces (around 1/2 cup), contains:

• Calories: 57
• Protein: 0.7 g
• Carbs: 14.5 g
• Sugar: 10 g
• Fibre: 2.4 g
• Fat: 0.3 g

Can you eat too many blueberries?

Like just about anything in life, eating too many blueberries may cause some side effects. “Blueberries contain fibre, which most people do not consume enough of; however, too much for someone not used to a high fibre diet could result in gas, bloating, or discomfort,” Pincus notes. She says that blueberries contain oxalates (naturally occurring plant compounds that binds minerals), which are not a concern for most people. “However, those with a history of or predisposition for kidney stones may not want to overdo it.” Finally, she points out that though great in moderation, blueberries contain natural sugars, so eating too many may impact blood glucose.

How to eat more blueberries

Seamlessly add more to your routine by making any of the below delicious, healthy recipes.

• Blueberry Smoothie Bowl
• Blueberry Mixed Nut Parfait
• Blueberry Hazelnut Yogurt Bark
• Chicken and Blueberry Chimichurri Skewers

The bottom line

Eating blueberries every day left me with more stable blood sugars after consuming them, but that’s pretty much the main benefit I saw in my brief experiment. I do continue to eat them weekly, and have done so for years, so perhaps it’s been a gradual change that is too incremental for me to notice. Regardless, blueberries are one of my favourite foods, and I’ll continue to enjoy them as a part of a nutritious eating plan.

https://www.prevention.com/food-nutrition/a64542223/what-happens-to-your-body-when-you-eat-blueberries-every-day/

How Artificial Intelligence Is Changing Diabetes Care

From diatribe.org

Key takeaways:

• New AI tools are emerging in diabetes care and research to analyse data in new ways
• A panel of experts said that the growing availability of these AI tools has the potential to increase the quality of diabetes care. 
• Security and privacy concerns persist and should be addressed for wider adoption of the new technology.

The emergence of artificial intelligence in healthcare has put diabetes care at the precipice of tremendous change, potentially offering people more control over their health and greater access to new options to manage their glucose levels and all aspects of their lives. 

Such topics were at the forefront of an expert panel discussion on the opening day of the ADA 2024 Scientific Sessions conference in Orlando, Florida, asking the question, “How will Artificial Intelligence Change Clinical Practice?” The answer was unequivocal: AI promises to deliver significant improvements in diabetes care for those who avail themselves of digital tools, such as apps, pumps, AID systems and CGMs.

For those now using continuous glucose monitors, the machine learning revolution is already under way, according to the expert panellists. The improved time in range that most people with CGMs experience from tracking their glucose levels is the basic building block of future AI, data-driven advancements.

The future of diabetes data science

While AI has meaningful uses across health care in general — using pattern recognition, large language models, expert systems and decision support — diabetes care is uniquely positioned to benefit from AI advances since technology has made it so quantifiable, said Dr. Boris Kovatchev of the University of Virginia. 

“AI applications are rapidly entering healthcare,” Kovatchev said. “Generative AI and large language models are at the forefront of this trend. Diabetes is one of the best quantified human conditions. Hence, diabetes care is making rapid progress with numerous applications.”

Advances that he listed include:

• Detection and prediction of events, classification and tracking disease progression,
• AI powering decision support systems,
• AI-driven neural network automated insulin delivery,
• AI-augmented clinical trials – “a most promising future,” he said.

Of particular note, Kovatchev presented results from the Virtual DCCT Project to illustrate how AI can augment clinical trials by reproducing virtual CGM traces for each DCCT participant to provide insights into how CGM metrics could relate to the risk for chronic complications and severe hypoglycaemia in the historic study data. 

Not only did the AI trial reproduce A1C outcomes of the groups in the treatment groups in the original DCCT trial, but Kovatchev showed how the AI-augmented study of the decades old trial was able to measure a “simulated” Time in Range that was significantly higher (60%-70%) in the “virtual” intensive treatment group compared to the “virtual” conventional treatment group.  

AI and diabetes devices

Dr. Peter Jacobs, director of the Artificial Intelligence for Medical Systems lab at Oregon Health & Science University, predicted a future in which a person with diabetes might be able to use an AI-enabled “automated hormone delivery system.” 

This hypothetical future system would take much of the guesswork and mental labor out of daily management by including:

• Automatic detection and dosing of insulin and pramlintide for meals
• Automatic detection and prevention of DKA with a ketone monitor
• Automatic detection of exercise and adjustment of insulin and glucagon to avoid hypoglycaemia
• Automatic pattern detection to forecast and solve future problems
• Automatic adjustment of insulin dosing in response to cyclical events, such as weekends, menstruation, or illness.
• Digital twin-based decision support on medication choices, exercise guidelines and nutrient intake
• Automated detection of pump occlusion, sensor failures and other system faults
• Alert system and user interface that learns to optimally satisfy the user

This future world is not yet here, but it might not be far off, said Jacobs, who has been working with his team to develop advanced control systems for the delivery of insulin and glucagon, among other uses of AI assistance in diabetes care and research. 

“There’s a lot of new technologies coming out right now that could significantly help people,” he said. “We’re at a time right now where you have an explosion of accurate sensors, an explosion of computation and access to all these tools. Combining computation with sensors, it's a tremendous opportunity and an exciting time for patients.” 

Connecting teams to deliver more powerful care

The third panellist at the session, Dr. Mudassir Rashid of the Illinois Institute of Technology, spoke about his research into how the use of AI impacts multidisciplinary team approaches to healthcare. The complexity of diabetes care and its need for coordination between healthcare teams make it well suited for AI enhancements, he said.

Rashid said the safe use of AI must include protections for data security and privacy as well as efforts to build trust in AI systems. In addition, he said, it is important to be aware of the potential for bias of algorithms and have clinicians ensure proper diagnosis, care and patient outcomes.

“People should be excited about the fact that it’s going to empower them,” he said of the emergence of AI technology in diabetes care. “It’s going to give them a lot more knowledge and insights about the chronic disease outside of the clinical setting, so they can get information outside of seeing their doctor. And this can also inform their diabetes treatment and care.” 

Security and privacy

Such data, Rashid explained, can be analysed by AI tools and then be available for the patient’s health care team and caretakers to glean specific insights about the individual to offer them better care. 

“There are some concerns with data privacy and security, but the best way to overcome them is to demonstrate to patients that there are safeguards,” he said. “It’s their data, it belongs to the patients, so more has to be done in securing their privacy. I’m optimistic that these are  technical and regulatory challenges that we can overcome. This is going to substantially improve care for people with diabetes.” 

https://diatribe.org/diabetes-technology/how-artificial-intelligence-changing-diabetes-care