JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Gaming applications that are used for purposes beyond entertainment, defined as serious games, with the intention to educate and resolve a problem, may be one timely method to promote healthy diabetes management behaviors within children affected by T1DM.

Objective:

The aim of the serious game My-Diabetic is to teach children not only the relationship between food, insulin, and sports but also to pass on knowledge related to working with a glucometer insulin pen and more advanced technology like, injection of glucagon, measurement of ketoacidosis, continuous glucose measurement and insulin pump.

Methods:

The co-design methodology was applied, involving interviews, design workshops, and prototype feedback sessions. A combination of several approaches as tailoring, observational learning, social and family support, decision-making practice, and rewards systems were used to support children's compliance. Moreover, incorporating the literature, guidelines, and current practices into the design ensured that the game was aligned with established healthcare pathways and incorporated relevant information and best practices for diabetes management.

Results:

The game was tested on 32 children in three iterations. We met with positive response from children who tested the game and their parents. The game was also presented to 5 schoolmates of T1DM's children who appreciated a better understanding of the disease and the opportunity to support their friends more efficiently in T1DM compensation. The involvement of children, family caregivers, and clinicians in participatory co-design contributed to a very good acceptance of the game.

Conclusions:

The game is especially suitable for newly diagnosed children because it acquaints them in a fun way with new terminology, they are able to try, for example, glycemic measurements in an interactive way. The game caters to children who have not yet developed reading skills by including an audio guide. This ensures that children of all literacy levels can benefit from the game's educational content and interactive experiences. The game is available for download on Google Play and the Apple Store markets.