Bayer unveils Nintendo-compatible blood glucose meter

Bayer has revealed the first blood glucose meter that is designed for children with diabetes and connects directly to a number of Nintendo gaming systems.

The Didget system is compatible with the Nintendo DS and DS Lite machines and is designed to help youngsters manage their condition by rewarding them for developing consistent blood glucose testing habits and meeting individual targets.

John Gregory, a professor in paediatric endocrinology at the Wales school of medicine at Cardiff University, said that one of the largest obstacles facing the parents of kids with diabetes is trying to instil regular self-testing habits.

“Bayer’s Didget meter can help ease the parent/child tension that testing often creates by adding an element of fun and rewards to the routine,” he added.

Meanwhile, Sandra Peterson, head of Bayer Medical Care, suggested that the Didget is a “revolutionary development in healthcare management”.

Nintendo claims that “tens of millions of DS Lites” have been bought since the system was launched in 2006.