AI & VR: Transforming Diabetes & Weight Care with Smart Solutions

Have you heard about artificial intelligence or virtual reality, also known as AI and VR? AI and VR are starting to change how we think about health care, including diabetes and weight management, opening up exciting possibilities that can make managing your health easier and even fun!

While these tools are cool, it’s important to remember that everyone with diabetes deserves the best care possible, starting with the basics like insulin, supplies, and good support.

At Beyond Type 1, we believe these high-tech tools should be available to everyone, not just a few, so we can all live our healthiest lives.

What is AI?

AI is a type of technology that helps computers do things that usually only humans can do, like thinking, learning, or solving problems. This includes abilities like:

• Recognizing and analyzing the content of images
• Understanding speech and text
• Analyzing large amounts of data 
• Providing insights or recommendations 

AI helps systems learn from experiences, making them more effective over time in tasks such as problem-solving and decision-making. 

In diabetes, experts expect AI to transform management, opening up new ways to help people with diabetes and/or weight management goals feel more in control of their health, like:

Diet and Exercise Recommendations: AI can suggest meal plans and workouts based on individual health data.

Real-Time Health Monitoring: AI can track progress and provide instant feedback on health metrics.

Behavioral Insights: AI can identify patterns in habits to encourage healthier lifestyle changes.

What is VR?

VR creates a simulated environment that lets users interact with a 3D world through headsets. VR can be used for:

• Gaming
• Education
• Training
• Therapy

VR can let you step into realistic, interactive experiences that teach you about diabetes. For example, you could see how foods affect blood sugar or practice healthier choices in a virtual kitchen.

At the moment, there are several ways you can use VR for the management of diabetes and weight, among them:

Virtual Coaching and Support: Interactive sessions with virtual trainers to guide healthier lifestyle choices. 

• HOLOFIT provides VR fitness experiences compatible with rowing machines, bikes, and ellipticals. Monthly Plan: $11.99 per month.

Education and Skill-Building: Simulated environments for learning carb counting, insulin dosing, and exercise routines. 

• FitXR offers immersive VR workouts, including cardio, strength, and boxing, for fitness and weight management. Monthly plan: $9.99 

Stress Reduction: Relaxation and mindfulness exercises to lower stress, which can impact blood sugar levels. 

• Calm VR provides guided relaxation and mindfulness exercises in immersive virtual settings, helping reduce stress levels. Monthly plan: $9.99 

More Affordable AI & VR for Managing Diabetes and Weight

Diabetes management is expensive enough on its own; here are some ideas on how to access these tools without breaking the bank: 

1. Free Apps and Programs: Many organizations and healthcare providers offer free apps and programs to help people manage their health by tracking food, exercise, and blood sugar levels.
2. Community Resources: Some community centers, libraries, and schools have VR equipment and programs that people can use for free. These places might offer virtual exercise classes or healthy cooking lessons.
3. Telehealth Services: Telehealth services can connect people with doctors and health coaches who use AI and VR tools. These services are often more affordable than in-person visits and can be accessed from home.

These resources enable people to benefit from AI and VR health advancements, even on a budget. It’s like having a helpful friend guiding them on their health journey.

The future of AI and VR in diabetes and weight management is promising. New technologies are offering more personalized support, like tracking blood sugar and weight trends through wearables.

Come along for this very 21st Century ride!

This content was made possible with support from Lilly, an active partner of Beyond Type 1 at the time of publication. Beyond Type 1 maintains editorial control over its content.