Hypoalert: Designing mobile technology for hypoglycemic detection and monitoring—based on human breath

Hypoglycemia (HYPO) is characterized by low blood glucose (BG)—leading to complications such as sweating, weakness, passing-out, coma, and even death. Effective HYPO management is required to avoid complications and to increase quality of life. Recently, a noninvasive smart breathing sensor was developed for detection of HYPO in human breath (HYPOalert). The device has the ability to deliver data (via Bluetooth) to a mobile application—with the intent to support Type 1 and 2 diabetics with the self-management of their hypoglycemia. This paper presents the first two (prototype) design iterations of research and testing of HYPOalert. Twelve Type 1 and 2 diabetics were interviewed to deduce user requirements and to understand their perception and level of interest in the proposed mobile system. Outcomes informed a human-centered design process of the interactive prototype, currently under final testing. Results were positive—showing that users were very interested in HYPOalert’s use of visualization, as well as its HYPO monitoring and alert system that supports diabetes patients’ healthy lifestyle management.