Technology aids diabetic patient to keep track of his health

Jim McLaws pulls out his laptop and inserts a USB stick. This is not an ordinary USB stick. It allows him to input his blood glucose measurements directly into the computer, resulting in a much better quality of life for a diabetic who is constantly on the road for his job.

The results are sent to his Edmonton Southside Primary Care Network nurse, Suzanne Irwin, who can call back and chide him for not following his nutritional plan. She can quickly answer any concerns that Jim has as well.

“I chart everything out and put it together with my food log and I send it down to her. That’s great. For me, it’s been a big door opener because sometimes trying to schedule to be up here (Edmonton) so I can go to the physician or the nurse is difficult,” says Jim.