The role of digital technology in diabetes prevention and management

Scientists at Pennington Biomedical Research Center, along with a colleague from Peking University People’s Hospital in China, have been leading a special collection and published an editorial in Frontiers in Endocrinology, emphasizing the transformative role digital health technologies play in diabetes management and prevention.

Highlighting studies that underscore how digital technology innovations enable improved self-management, personalized treatments, and seamless communication between patients and healthcare providers, the editorial was authored by Dr. Gang Hu and Dr. Yun Shen of Pennington Biomedical and Dr. Xiantong Zou of Peking University.

“Digital tools offer unprecedented opportunities to improve patient outcomes through better monitoring, individualized care, and more efficient communication between patients and healthcare providers,” the authors wrote.

Digital health tools promise to make diabetes care more accessible, effective, and adaptable to patients’ individual needs. Advancements in wearable devices, mobile applications, and telemedicine can support patient self-management, personalize treatment, and improve health outcomes. The editorial addresses key challenges with these technologies, including data privacy and accessibility, and encourages ongoing research and development in this promising field.

“As the field advances, digital health innovations are poised to play an increasingly critical role in the prevention and management of diabetes, paving the way for more efficient and equitable healthcare delivery,” the authors concluded.

Dr. Hu is professor and director of the Chronic Disease Epidemiology Laboratory, and Dr. Shen is assistant professor-research in chronic disease epidemiology at Pennington Biomedical. Dr. Zou is attending physician and associate professor at Peking University People’s Hospital.

“This editorial provides insight into the pivotal role digital technologies are playing in our everyday lives, and especially how these technologies can be used in disease management and treatments,” said Dr. John Kirwan, executive director of Pennington Biomedical. “The work being done by Dr. Shen and Dr. Hu here at Pennington Biomedical, in partnership with colleagues across the globe showcases the collaborative mindset of Pennington Biomedical and the commitment we have to advance healthcare through innovative research.”

For more the full editorial on “Digital technology in the management and prevention of diabetes,” visit https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/endocrinology/articles/10.3389/fendo.2024.1511236/full.

About the Pennington Biomedical Research Center

The Pennington Biomedical Research Center is at the forefront of medical discovery as it relates to understanding the triggers of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer and dementia. The Center conducts basic, clinical, and population research, and is a campus of the LSU System. The research enterprise at Pennington Biomedical includes over 530 employees within a network of 44 clinics and research laboratories, and 13 highly specialized core service facilities. Its scientists and physician/scientists are supported by research trainees, lab technicians, nurses, dietitians, and other support personnel. Pennington Biomedical is a state-of-the-art research facility on a 222-acre campus in Baton Rouge. For more information, see www.pbrc.edu.