GlucoBoy turns diabetes blood-testing into a game

by Scott Jon Siegel { Dec 6th 2007 at 6:55AM }

A new glucose monitor targeted at children with Juvenile Diabetes hopes to entice its young users by doubling as a video game. The GlucoBoy tests small amounts of blood for glucose levels, just like a normal glucose self-diagnosis device. Upon plugging it into a Game Boy Advance or DS, however, GlucoBoy rewards players for routine glucose checks or having correct blood sugar levels by giving them points, which can be used to unlock mini-games on the cartridge.

Interestingly, we originally reported about GlucoBoy way back in 2005, with Engadget having reported on it first in 2004. Due to the device's small market, its inventor Paul Wessel has spent three years trying to get approval from Nintendo to produce the device. GlucoBoy launched in Australia on World Diabetes Day, with plans to bring the glucose-testing device to more regions soon.

[Via Next-Gen]

Tags: diabetes, gameboyadvance, gba, glucoboy, serious-games, seriousgames

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Lunitsond @ Dec 6th 2007 7:27AM

I think this is a solid idea as long as the games aren't terrrrrible!!!!

holyice7 @ Dec 6th 2007 7:36AM

Hmm...a game that rewards for blood testing. Sounds like a good base for a vampire hunting game.

This rings ever-so-slightly to the tune of Boktai, for some reason.

WiNG @ Dec 6th 2007 7:50AM

The downside is the kid may end up getting addicted to the game, and start draining his blood by the buckets.

Timmy: ...
Mom: Oh my God! Timmy, you're so pale
Timmy: ...need to make more blood...
Mom: Timmy, that's it, give me that game!
Timmy: I'll tell you when I've had enough! *faints*

ThornedVenom @ Dec 6th 2007 10:38AM

Thank god that the device rewards to ROUTINE glucose checks. ;)

Farseer (GDI) @ Dec 6th 2007 11:44AM

Dude - I just had an epiphany!

This game is all a conspiracy created by vampires who are running into more and more security systems in homes nowadays. If you can just convince children to willingly give blood for rewards... Brilliant!

tack @ Dec 6th 2007 9:47AM

Anyone remember the SNES game Packy and Marlon? It was a game for diabetic children. You had to eat things to keep your blood sugar where it should be throught the levels.

Gangsta Smurf @ Dec 6th 2007 9:52AM

I wonder if GlucoBoy can check if drugs are in your system.

hvnlysoldr @ Dec 6th 2007 10:05AM

Whoah hold the phone. This is licensed for DS and GBA. That means it's not just some handheld but an accessory/game for DS. It's better than I expected. I might get it for my mom.

Organic_Shadow @ Dec 6th 2007 10:18AM

"then what we do is get you to associate PAIN with your previous addiction..."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQnOC0L8pWc

10 years later he is playing a normal console game and every time he's about to place the finishing move on an enemy in god of war 7 he has a nervous reaction and throws the controller...

Have you ever had your finger pricked for a blood test? Doesn't feel very pleasant...especially if they have to get through calices from guitar playing...