Nightscout

What is the challenge ?

Managing type 1 diabetes requires a precise combination of insulin injections and the consumption of carbohydrates. A proper monitoring of glucose levels diminishes the risks of complications related to the disease. Diabetes is ranked 12^th in the list of causes of the global burden of disease. (3)

Is it innovative ?

Nightscout is a cloud-based software that enables the continuous monitoring of glucose (CGM) levels in real-time for children with type 1 diabetes. The Nightscout technology was developed by CGM users with the collaboration of an online community of patients, their parents, and healthcare providers, all of whom share their knowledge and time on a volunteer basis. (1)

How does it work ?

• The technology helps patients with diabetes and their caregivers to better manage the disease and could reduce the workload of healthcare providers. (2)
• Nightscout is an open-source project and improvements are made over time. Instructions for its use are downloadable and the installation can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours. (2)
• Code functionality cannot be guaranteed since the project was created and developed by volunteers. Each element of the system can fail at any time and render it unusable. (2)

How much does it cost ?

• The innovation is free and the Nightscout Facebook group (CGM in the Cloud) offers free technical support for all users. (1, 2, 4) As of June 14^th 2017, the group reached over 23,000 members.
• Though the innovation is free, it functions with a continuous glucose monitoring system (CGMS) and requires the use of electronic devices like smartphones or smartwatches. The global cost of using Nightscout depends on the devices used and on Internet access (Internet plan or Wi-Fi). (2)
• There is no cost-benefit analysis available at the moment.

What is the environmental impact ?

• The environmental impact is difficult to assess because the system relies on the use of other electronic devices.

What is the approval status ?

• The Nightscout system is not yet approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Other mobile solutions that display glucose levels on electronic devices using CGMs do exist and are already approved. (5)