This study examined whether insulin- calculating smartphone applications are accurate for diabetic patients.

Smart phone apps are very useful in healthcare for managing one’s health. Apps which recommend an insulin dose are available for diabetic patients. These apps require patients to enter in their insulin-to-carbohydrate ratio, blood glucose levels and the number of carbohydrates in the food. The app then uses a formula to suggest an appropriate insulin dose to take. However, insulin calculators may have consequences if an inaccurate insulin dose is recommended.

This study aimed to determine the accuracy and suitability of apps used to calculate insulin dose. This study identified 46 insulin dose calculating apps that are available for Android and iOS smartphones.

37% of apps were insulin calculators, while 59% included an additional diary of blood glucose readings. 8 apps had a food database to calculate the number of carbohydrates ingested. One app allowed blood glucose readings to be transferred wirelessly from a glucometer via Bluetooth. 10 apps allowed calculations to be adjusted based on exercise levels.

Only 30% of apps displayed the calculation formula used. 91% did not include input verification (such as allowing for negative numbers to be input). 59% allowed for isulin dose calculation when one or more needed values were missing. 67% of apps had a risk of recommending an incorrect insulin dose. One app did not have any issues. There was no difference in issues between apps for Android for iOS. There was also no difference in issues between free apps and apps which required a payment.

This study concluded that apps used to calculate insulin doses carry a risk of giving incorrect insulin doses and users should carry out their own assessment before using such an app.

This study acknowledged that the accuracy of apps may improve as more apps are released.

Consult your physician regarding the resources available to help you calculate your insulin dose.