Will computers replace or complement the diabetes educator?

Computer programs are playing an increasingly important role in the management of diabetes and fall into various categories. Instructional programs are used to teach patients about diabetes. They cover the principles of blood glucose monitoring, diet, exercise, foot care and so on. Statistical and graphical analysis programs are used in diabetes clinics to help the physician, diabetes educator and patient detect patterns and trends in the patient's home blood glucose readings. Hand-held insulin dosage computers have been used by patients to advise them on insulin dosage adjustment on a day-to-day basis. The diabetes simulator we have recently developed allows patients to practise, and gain experience with insulin dosage adjustment; the patient decides on alterations to insulin dose, diet or the amount of exercise and the computer program demonstrates the resulting effect on blood glucose levels. Overall, computers complement and enhance, rather than replace the functions of the diabetes educator.