The Role of AI in Managing Diabetes and Its Complications
Original Article: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39578435/
What is AI, and How Does It Help with Diabetes?
Artificial intelligence (AI) is a technology that mimics human intelligence to solve complex problems. In diabetes care, AI is increasingly used to manage complications such as hypoglycemia (low blood glucose levels), diabetic eye disease, kidney issues, nerve damage, foot ulcers, and heart problems. For instance, machine learning models can predict complications like diabetic retinopathy with high accuracy and process large datasets from sources like electronic health records and wearable devices. Approximately 10% of the global population lives with diabetes, making innovative solutions like AI crucial for improving outcomes.
How AI Improves Diabetes Management
Traditional diabetes diagnostics rely on invasive and time-consuming methods, which often miss complications in their early stages. AI changes this by analyzing data quickly and accurately. For example, deep learning models can detect diabetic retinopathy with 85-90% accuracy, outperforming many manual methods. In addition, AI can predict hypoglycemia episodes and assess the risk of complications like cardiovascular disease, allowing doctors to intervene earlier. Around 20-50% of people with diabetes fail to adhere to prescribed treatments, but AI-based reminders and monitoring tools are helping improve pharmacoadherence, reducing the risk of worsening health conditions.
Challenges and the Future of AI in Diabetes
Despite its promise, AI in diabetes care faces challenges. Research is needed to ensure its reliability and cost-effectiveness in real-world settings. Privacy concerns and biases in algorithms must be addressed to build trust in AI systems. Moreover, clinicians and patients must be educated on how to use these tools effectively. With the global diabetes-related healthcare costs exceeding $760 billion annually, AI has the potential to lower expenses by improving early detection and treatment. As AI advances, it is expected to make diabetes care more personalized, efficient, and equitable.
