Glucoboy
Glucoboy
The Glucoboy is an innovative medical device developed by Guidance Interactive Healthcare designed to integrate diabetes management with entertainment, specifically targeting children. The device is notable for its dual functionality as both a blood glucose monitor and a gaming accessory compatible with the Nintendo Game Boy Advance and the Nintendo DS Lite.
Development and Purpose
The Glucoboy was developed with the aim of making diabetes management more engaging and less burdensome for children. It functions by fitting into the cartridge port of a Game Boy Advance or Nintendo DS Lite, transforming these popular gaming consoles into tools for diabetes management. This integration of healthcare and gaming was intended to encourage children to monitor their blood glucose levels consistently by associating the activity with the fun of video games.
Incentive-Based Gaming
The Glucoboy operates on an incentive-based model, rewarding users with points for conducting blood glucose tests. Additional points are awarded when the readings fall within the target range. These points can be utilized within the software's Guidance Reward Platform, a system that encourages compliance by offering rewards. The rewards include unlocking additional games and acquiring accessories or apparel for the games.
Games Included
The Glucoboy includes two main games:
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Knock 'em Downs: An action role-playing game set in a fairground, designed to entertain while subtly reinforcing the importance of regular health checks.
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Lost Star Saga: A science fiction-themed turn-based role-playing game that provides a captivating narrative experience while maintaining focus on health management.
Introduction to the Market
The Glucoboy was initially launched in Australia and was particularly popular during the 2002 holiday season. The combination of healthcare and entertainment was well-received, demonstrating potential for significant impact in the lives of children managing diabetes.
Related Technologies
The Glucoboy is part of a broader category of Game Boy accessories, which includes various devices designed to enhance the functionality of the Nintendo gaming consoles. Another similar venture was the "Didget," which represented an evolution of the Glucoboy concept.
Impact
By merging the worlds of healthcare and gaming, the Glucoboy opened new pathways for engaging young audiences in important health practices. It served as a pioneering model for subsequent innovations in combining entertainment with healthcare technologies, showing how traditional boundaries can be bridged to achieve meaningful outcomes in public health.