In 1985, I lost my father to complications from diabetes. He was younger then than I am now – a sobering thought that often leads me to say, “I’ve outlived my father.” His battle with diabetes was fierce and ultimately unwinnable, given the medical technology of the time. But as I reflect on his journey, I can’t help but wonder: how might things have been different with today’s advanced healthcare technologies, particularly remote patient monitoring?

My father’s journey with diabetes was a gradual descent into darkness – both figuratively and literally. Diagnosed in an era when blood glucose monitoring meant urine tests and guesswork, he faced an uphill battle from the start. As the years passed, diabetes took its toll. First came the blindness, robbing him of his independence and the simple joys of seeing his family. Then, the loss of his leg – a devastating blow to a man who had always prided himself on his physical capability. Finally, kidney failure struck the final blow, ending his life far too soon.

In the 1980s, managing diabetes was a constant struggle. Home glucose monitors were just becoming available, but they were far from the precise instruments we have today. Insulin regimens were less refined, and the understanding of how diet and exercise impacted blood sugar was still evolving.

My father, like many diabetics of his time, was often flying blind – sometimes literally.

Remote patient monitoring – a technology that, had it been available, could have dramatically altered my father’s journey. At its core, remote patient monitoring uses digital technologies to collect medical and health data from individuals and electronically transmit that information to healthcare providers for assessment and recommendations.

For diabetic’s, like my father, the benefits could have been life-changing:

1. Continuous Glucose Monitoring: Instead of relying on sporadic fingerprick tests, my father could have had a constant, real-time view of his blood sugar levels. This would have allowed for immediate interventions when his glucose veered into dangerous territory.
2. Early Detection of Complications: Regular, automated monitoring of various health markers could have caught the early signs of eye, kidney, and circulation problems before they became severe.
3. Improved Medication Management: With detailed data on how his body responded to insulin and other medications, doctors could have fine-tuned his treatment plan with unprecedented precision.
4. Better Communication with Healthcare Providers: Rather than waiting for infrequent doctor’s appointments, any concerning trends in his health data could have prompted immediate consultations and adjustments to his care plan.

The emotional impact of such improved care is hard to overstate. For my father, it could have meant maintaining his vision, preserving his mobility, and extending his life. For our family, it might have meant more years with him, less stress and fear about his health, and a better quality of life for everyone involved.

Of course, remote patient monitoring is just one of many advancements in diabetes care since the 1980s. Improved insulin formulations, insulin pumps, and even artificial pancreas systems have revolutionized diabetes management. Ongoing research continues to bring us closer to better treatments and, hopefully, a cure.

As I reflect on my father’s legacy, I’m filled with a mix of sadness for what he endured and hope for those facing similar challenges today. While we can’t change the past, we can appreciate how far we’ve come and look forward to a future where diabetes no longer claims lives prematurely.

My father’s battle with diabetes ended too soon, but his memory lives on as a reminder of the importance of medical advancement and the profound impact it can have on individual lives and families. For those currently struggling with diabetes, know that you have tools and technologies at your disposal that were once the stuff of science fiction. Use them, advocate for access to them, and never lose hope. The next breakthrough might be just around the corner.