Hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar, is a condition which affects those with diabetes and, if left untreated, can lead to serious long-term complications including diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperglycemia hyperosmolar state.

Symptoms of hyperglycemia develop slowly over a period of several days to several weeks and vary in severity, including frequent urination, increased thirst, vision changes, nausea and vomiting, weakness, confusion, and coma. These symptoms are often not identified until glucose values are significantly elevated, typically > 200 mg/dL or 10-11.1 mmol/L. However, even those with a long-standing diagnosis of Type II Diabetes can be asymptomatic despite elevated blood sugar levels.

Trials have shown that controlling blood sugar reduces the risk diabetes-related conditions such as cardiovascular disease, neuropathy, kidney damage, diabetic retinopathy, blindness, bone and joint problems, teeth and gum infections, and vascular damage which contribute to severe skin infections, ulcerations, and amputations.

The risk of developing these hyperglycemic-related complications is continuous. Despite the inherent health risks associated with uncontrolled hyperglycemia, elevated blood sugar levels remain inadequately treated in a majority of patients.

Additionally, uncontrolled hyperglycemia is costly both to diabetic persons and the healthcare services that treat them.

Regular patient blood sugar monitoring is critical in preventing serious long-term complications. Changes in physical activity, medications, and diet can alter blood sugar, necessitating adjustments to medications and potentially leading to insufficient therapy. It is important that blood glucose is monitored carefully and continuously to ensure that glucose values remain within a normal range.

4G enabled glucometers allow patients to generate their

own data. Patient-generated health data (PGHD) are data created, recorded, or gathered by or from patients (or family members or other caregivers) to support their health. RPM allows patients and their caregivers to independently and seamlessly capture and share their health data electronically with clinicians from any location.

Research has shown RPM can work to control glucose levels significantly compared to usual care and self-monitoring alone.