A new app aimed at helping people newly diagnosed with diabetes manage their condition and adjust to a healthier lifestyle has been officially launched in Bahrain.
Sukari AI, unveiled yesterday by the Bahrain Diabetes Society (BDS), uses information provided by the society alongside artificial intelligence (AI) to offer accessible guidance in both English and Arabic on managing diabetes, including carbohydrate counting, blood sugar control and other aspects of day-to-day care.
The app was developed by Bahrain Bayan School graduate Ali Behzad, who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of seven.
Drawing on his own experience, he said the amount of information he had to absorb after his diagnosis was overwhelming, inspiring him to create a simpler way for others to understand and manage the condition.
The app was developed under the supervision of consultant endocrinologist Dr Dalal Alromaihi and BDS vice president Dr Mariam Al Hajeri, with support from Lamees AlMuqahwi, a parent of a child with Type 1 diabetes.
One of the app’s key features is a quick consultation service, which provides rapid guidance and advice and is designed to offer users immediate support when they need it.
An AI assistant is also integrated into the programme to answer users’ questions about diabetes and provide personalised guidance.
The BDS will be able to continuously update the platform with new information and data.
“The AI integrated in the app isn’t typical AI or ChatGPT; it is grounded AI, meaning we populated it with selected copies of libraries and books so it cannot go online and select additional information which may be inaccurate,” Dr Alromaihi told the GDN.
“The app also includes emergency support features, including access to emergency calling and information on the nearest hospital. It provides guidance to parents and users on how to respond to episodes of low or high blood sugar,” she added.
Another feature is a ‘tip of the day’, offering 1,000 health-related messages aimed at encouraging users to adopt healthier lifestyles.
More than 15 per cent of adults in Bahrain have diabetes, with factors including genetics, low levels of physical activity, excess weight, an imbalanced diet and inadequate sleep contributing to the condition.
Common symptoms include excessive thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, tiredness and weakness, mood changes, blurred vision, slow-healing sores and recurrent infections affecting the skin and gums.
Sukari AI is currently available on the Apple App Store, with an Android version expected soon.
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