Entra Health Systems, an international applied healthcare technology company, has announced the launch of the Telstra (News - Alert) Diabetes Management Online Service in Australia. This involves the integration of Entra’s MyGlucoHealth Wireless meter and mobile technology.

Entra and Telstra have collaborated to launch the mobile phone application in Australia, which will benefit people with diabetes, said company sources.

According to a press release, the Telstra Diabetes Management Online Service leverages the MyGlucoHealth Wireless blood glucose meter with integrated Bluetooth technology. Test results are transmitted through a Telstra mobile phone over the Telstra Next G network to a secure web portal.

The results of individual patients from the meter can be accessed via mobile phone, or online by the patient’s care team. Patient data can be studied and reviewed faster owing to the sophisticated online analytics, trend analysis and other charting capabilities, according to Entra sources.

The Telstra Diabetes Management Online Service includes features like real-time alerts and messages which employ SMS and e-mails between he patient and their care team. This allows real-time monitoring. Also alerts can be customized so that it includes messaging for high/low readings, trend warnings, low testing frequency, and other parameters that are important requisites for enhancing personal care.

“The Telstra Diabetes Management Online Service technology gives diabetes patients a simple and more reliable way to track their blood glucose levels and send their results quickly,” said Christophe Bur, executive director of Telstra Product Management, in a release.

“This solution is specifically designed to help patients and their care givers better manage their condition. By utilizing new generation solutions, together with Telstra’s advanced technologies and network, we have been able to come up with a solution that is right for patients, right for care givers and right for healthcare as a whole,” added Bur.

John Hendel, chairman of Entra Health Systems, explained that the Telstra Diabetes Management Online Service is built on the MyGlucoHealth Wireless meter and mobile technology. Patients are given direct, real-time contact with their clinicians and are well connected to the care team via their mobile phone. In this way patients are better connected and are also informed of day-to-day decisions about their care and lifestyle.

Diabetes currently affects an estimated 1.5 million Australians and around 275 Australians develop diabetes every day, according to Greg Johnson, acting CEO of Diabetes Australia. He said that advancements in technology actually help in the improvement of diabetes management for people. This also helps reduce the complications associated with diabetes such as heart attack, stroke, kidney damage, blindness and amputation.