Apps for PWDs (or DC rainmaker for diabetes)

This is a copy of a post I wrote a while ago, I am sure it there is more to add and as time goes on and things change I will try to keep this up to date.

There are more apps for iPhone than Android, especially more established apps. However there are still plenty to choose from on both platforms. I have included some non logging apps at the bottom.

Before I go into detail. Logging for me is one of the best things you can do to improve your control and more importantly your understanding of how different things affect you. Your health care team, research and books will give you general advice based on averages. Rarely do people fit neatly into nice categories and as such individual tweaking is necessary. That can be implemented by better understanding obtained through logging. I cannot recommend it enough.

A simple google search revealed a couple of lists which you can look at here:
http://www.healthline.com/health-slideshow/top-iphone-android-apps-diabetes
http://www.tudiabetes.org/forum/topics/10-best-iphone-android-apps-for-diabetics
http://spoonful.com/type1/Our-favorite-type-1-diabetes-apps

I have posted them just in case you feel like getting some more ideas. These lists may not be up to date either. I have compiled my own list.

Dario http://mydario.com/ is at the top of my list right now. Currently only available for the iOS devices, but they have assured me that there is an Android version comming soon. I like this for a variety of reasons:

1) The device attaches to the audio port and use that to directly check you blood sugar. The test strips will be available by prescription.

2) They listen to me when I tell them what I like and don't like about their apps

3) The new user interface for the latest version is really nice, easy to use and still packs many features.

4) It has a mechanism for predicting HbA1c based on your blood tests.

Additionally it has a web interface and allows social media interaction through the app, I regard this as a good thing other people may not.

Diabeto http://diabe.to/ This is a device that plugs into your CGM and communicates with a logging app in your phone via bluetooth. Its not available yet but will be soon and when I get my hands one one I will let you know how it is.

Until now I have been using the wavesense / ibgstar app. It also is only for iOS but is a very simple to use logging app. I can easily record information about CHO intake, insulin, blood glucose and exercise along with notes. Its easy to compile a log and email it directly to my dietitian before consultation.
http://agamatrix.com/medical-devices/

Glucose Buddy is available for both devices.https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.skyhealth.glucosebuddyfree My brother uses it and likes it. I have used it on the iphone but they have newer versions that look like they include all the features necessary to keep a good log. It also has a web interface.

MySugr is a new app to the market with the goal of gamification. This may be aimed at a younger audience but their new approach has certainly attracted many new users. I have not played with it so I cannot comment directly. I am only going on what I have seen from my Diabetic friends on Facebook and Twitter have said. They have an app for both platforms and a web interface. https://mysugr.com/companion/

OnTrack https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.gexperts.ontrack&hl=en got good reviews and is available for Android. I cannot personally comment but it did come up in the top lists as well so I am assuming that it does serve its purpose well.

Diabetes PA http://www.diabetespa.com/ A new nice looking app that I haven't had the chance to look at yet.

Carbs and Cals:
A highly recommended app for helping to estimate carbs and calories in random foods. Its not free but if it helps with your control whats a few shekels. Available for Android and iOS.

Spontaneous http://corp.deep-systems.com/he/ an app designed around helping know what they are eating in local restaurants, available for android and ios and also in Hebrew. It is targeted for Type 1 diabetics.

HelpAround http://helparound.co/ a social app for asking questions and getting help from people around you.

Strava www.strava.com 
This is a great GPS app for logging exercise, running or cycling. You can follow friends and set yourself training goals. Its very good I have been using it for a long time, the free version has loads of features. Its available for both platforms and has a web interface. Its also compatible with Garmin GPS devices.


KitchenBug http://www.kitchenbug.com/
Another great Israeli company that is like Pintrest for recipes. It is used to collect recipes that you find on the internet and store them in your own collection. It does this through a bookmarklet. When you see a recipe you press the button. It reads the recipe and selects directions and ingredients. It then calculates all the nutritional information. You can search for kosher recipes if that's what you are into. It gives a comment about whether or not it is suitable for PWDs, though this is more suited to Type2s than Type1s. I am working with them to improve this feature. The key is that for any recipe you can easily work out what you are eating in a meal, removes some of the guess work and is generally a great product.

If you have made it to the end of this post, well done. I hope it was helpful. Please add comments on what you think about the apps I have suggested or if you have other ones to suggest that I missed.