Artificial UNintelligence

There has been a lot of talk in the news lately about AI (artificial intelligence) taking on a variety of decision-making and work-related tasks.  ChatGPT, for example, uses ordinary language to answer questions and write articles for websites. Sure, enterprising (if not lazy) students may use it to write papers, but programs like ChatGPT lack the ability to be truly creative and insightful.

What about using AI in healthcare? While it has the potential to improve efficiency and reduce costs, most patients and healthcare providers are hesitant to use AI in its current form. And with good reasons. Not only does it create issues with data security, it also detracts from the human interactions that are so critical to quality healthcare.

In the diabetes world, AI is already being used in a limited capacity to track patterns and point out trends in glucose levels. In some cases it is also being used to help with titration (fine-tuning) of insulin and medication doses. This may be helpful to those who have limited access to quality healthcare providers, but like students using AI to write papers, it does a disservice to those who are looking for real answers.

Diabetes, more than any other health disorder I’m aware of, is a holistic condition. It takes just about every aspect of a person’s life into account. Glucose levels are influenced by just about everything we do and experience. Sure, a “bot” can detect when glucose levels are elevated at mid-morning, but does it know why? And whether it is a temporary or permanent occurrence? An algorithm that suggests upping a dose of medication could be doing more harm than good, and may completely overlook the best solutions. This is why I’m not a fan of AI poking its nose too deeply in the diabetes space.

Regardless of how many gigabits of information and how much processing power you have, it takes a human approach… a discussion if you will… to truly make sense of diabetes.  I am proud of the work we do at Integrated Diabetes Services. We know that helping people starts by listening to them, hearing their stories, and learning about their experiences. Until you have the full context, data and reports don’t mean a thing.

If you want to be treated as more than just a bunch of graphs and numbers, set up some time to meet with one of our clinicians. Don’t get me wrong… we’ll look at your data… but not before we get to know you.

I hope you enjoy this month’s edition of Diabetes Bites. Be sure to check out our clinicians’ columns, read the news items, and participate in our monthly survey and trivia contest.  Your feedback is always welcome: just email me at gary@integrateddiabetes.com.

Diabetes is ALWAYS personal!

Personally,

Gary Scheiner MS, CDCES
Owner, Clinical Director

Nancy’s Featured Finds!

Did you know that if you are a past patient or currently working with us you can now join our TimeOut for Caregivers program for free?

If you are a parent of a Type 1 kid or teen, this is an essential program that lets you join other like-minded people to learn stress-reducing tips and have a safe space to gain support, skills, and strategies for navigating day-to-day life.

Please call me in the office 610-642-6055 with any questions or email me: nancy@integrateddiabetes.com.

Best Always,
Nancy

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Diabetes Bites Monthly Newsletter is published electronically by Integrated Diabetes Services and distributed to more than 10,000 individuals in the diabetes community.