**5. Mobile and computer applications (apps)**

Data Management software for diabetes has been available since the late 1980s to early 1990s. However, acceptance and adoption by both patients and physicians has been slow. The issues have been the ability to download or upload data with each device having its own set of software and cable connections. In many cases, physician offices had upwards of 6–10 different connections to obtain data from SMBG meters and other devices.

Over the past two decades, a number of innovations were developed that "streamlined" the ability to obtain data from patient devices. There has been an improvement in device connectivity with most devices now able to utilize Bluetooth technology thus eliminating the need for multiple cables or hubs. Additionally, smartphone technology has decreased the cost and complexity of data sharing. The use of automated uploads from devices to the "cloud" has allowed both patient and physician to have almost real-time access to data [53].

Proprietary cloud data platforms from multiple device manufacturers have been able to provide secure data and have developed common formats, easing the burden on physicians and their offices to maintain multiple programs. Also, many of the device companies, including those manufacturing SMBG devices have developed complex reporting capabilities that have been designated as Ambulatory Glucose Reports or Profiles.

The multitude of apps for the patient with DM has led to concerns of quality and safety. Apps available at both the Google Play store and Apple App Store may little or no oversight. A recent study in 2016 found that the majority of apps from the Google Play store did not meet the minimum requirements or did not work appropriately [54, 56] Additional studies are needed to fully investigate the efficacy and utility of mobile applications with regard to the treatment of individuals with Type 2 DM.

Another approach is to combine the mobile application, the cloud with a remote coaching system. Studies are now ongoing to assess the effect of individuals using a smart phone-based glucose monitoring system which automatically moves data to a secure cloud-based site [55]. A designated "diabetes coach" which is a health care provider (RN, NP or physician) then reviews the data several times per week and remotely connects with the patient to provide recommendations or discussion. Results are pending in these studies and hopefully preliminary results will be available in 2019. (Personal Observation).

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provided the original work is properly cited.

© 2019 The Author(s). Licensee IntechOpen. This chapter is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/ by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium,

*Newer Modalities in the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Focus on Technology*

does not substitute for patient – physician interaction and communication.

diet, exercise, monitoring of glucoses remains with the individual.

This chapter attempted to briefly outline the technological advances in the treatment of Type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is noted the technology has improved the quality of life, blood glucose control and possibly decreased the risk of complications. However, it must be pointed out to the reader that technology, no matter how advanced, does not substitute for personal interaction with patients. The ability to know your patient, his/her lifestyle, stressors, etc. plays an important role in designing the proper treatment regimen. Continued advances in technology will in the future make the physician/healthcare provider and the patient's ability to control his/her blood glucoses less complicated but ultimately the decisions to maintain

The author notes that he is a member of the DSMB and CEC for Medtronic

The author wishes to thank his wife for assisting in the research for this chapter and his associate and staff for permitting him to devote extra time from the practice

Diabetes and serves on the Speaker's Bureau for Sanofi and Astra Zeneca.

1 Chairman Department of Medicine, Saint Mary Medical Center, USA

2 Division Head Endocrinology, Saint Mary Medical Center, USA

\*Address all correspondence to: abs@sugardoc.com

The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the treatment of patients with Diabetes is emerging and advancing at significant pace. Multiple programs are being developed to improve adherence and personalize the individual's regimen. Studies are ongoing to determine whether pattern recognition and the ability of machine learning can provide the patient with diabetes mellitus a unique, individualize model which is automated and can assist with predictions and decisions. At this time, AI cannot and

*DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.84285*

**6. Conclusion**

**Conflicts of interest**

to complete this endeavor.

**Author details**

Alan B. Schorr1,2

**Notes/thanks/other declarations**

*Newer Modalities in the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Focus on Technology DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.84285*

The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the treatment of patients with Diabetes is emerging and advancing at significant pace. Multiple programs are being developed to improve adherence and personalize the individual's regimen. Studies are ongoing to determine whether pattern recognition and the ability of machine learning can provide the patient with diabetes mellitus a unique, individualize model which is automated and can assist with predictions and decisions. At this time, AI cannot and does not substitute for patient – physician interaction and communication.
