“Since I’ve become involved with Glymetrix/Coole, I have indeed paid more attention to my glucose levels, done more tests and have narrowed my hi-lo range of sugars from 228 in June to 133 in October”

~ Diabetes Patient

Type II Diabetes presents one of the most formidable and challenging problems facing the global healthcare system. The cost of diabetes to the healthcare system throughout the world has been estimated at over $700 billion. The single most effective treatment for Type II diabetes is proper self-management. Coole Immersive has developed a video game-based intervention which uses key motivators to change behaviour in patients for improved health outcomes.

Coole Immersive has partnered with Boston based Glymetrix and Queens University to build a learning game for the healthcare industry. Together with our partners, we are building The Diabetes Game to effectively change human behavior and provide a cost effective alternative to pharmaceuticals.

The existing Diabetes Game (quiz game) and additional games (in development) are part of a larger system designed to help adults manage diabetes. As time goes by there will be many games, just as a television network has many shows. Otherwise people will stop engaging, and the clinical benefit will vanish when they do.

The current game is a variation of Trivial Pursuit, geared toward understanding diabetes. The game promotes behavior change through knowledge of the disease and by encouraging the regular recording of blood glucose levels, and regular doctor visits. This particular version is geared toward 40 - 60 year old males. Future games would be aimed at specific target demographics, such as First Nations women in the 40 - 55 year old range. For the game to truly engage, it needs to appeal to the user's interests.

Where Are We?

The prototype is complete and initial testing has begun. Field trials are currently being organized with healthcare providers in Massachusetts and Alberta.