Controlling Diabetes with a Mobile Application: Diabetes Friend.

Researchers have recognized that mobile applications have a great potential to support diabetes self-management. However, the majority of the mobile applications available presents some limitations and are not suitable for patient's needs. Usability is one of the most pointed problems and consequently the over-age of diabetes application usage is low. In this context, the authors in collaboration with Portuguese healthcare professionals developed a Diabetes Friend system formed by a mobile and a web application. To develop this system, a User-Centered Design approach was used with the aim to create an easier interface and adapts to the end user's needs. This system has the particularly of allowing the healthcare professional to help and monitoring the diabetes patients. Initial tests have shown that the system has a friendly-interface and the end users are satisfied.