Device for Optimized Exercise Training of a Diabetic

Abstract

A system is disclosed for optimizing exercise training of a diabetic exerciser. Computer software accepts physical status data and, in preferred embodiments, information regarding available exercise equipment, and formulates therefrom an optimized diet and exercise program, which is downloaded to an MP3 player or similar portable electronic device. The portable device directs the exerciser during workouts, while communicating with a blood glucose monitor and preferably with a heart rate monitor so as to monitor the exerciser's blood glucose level and heart rate during exercise, and warn the exerciser if the blood glucose level exceeds specified bounds. The portable device records a log of physiological data, exercise performed, and food consumed, for later upload to the computer and possible transmission to a healthcare provider. Preferred embodiments include only software. Other embodiments include a portable device, blood glucose monitor, heart rate monitor, or communications enabler.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention generally relates to exercise training, and more specifically to exercise training of diabetic exercisers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Exercise is generally known to have many benefits for individuals of all ages. These benefits include improved cardiovascular health, reduced blood pressure, prevention of bone and muscle loss, maintenance of a healthy weight, improved psychological heath, and many others.

For exercisers who are diabetic, the benefits are even greater. Regular exercise can help the body respond to insulin, and is known to be effective in managing blood glucose, thereby reducing or even eliminating the need for medication. Exercise can also improve circulation, especially in the arms and legs where diabetics often experience circulatory and other difficulties.

However, vigorous exercise can cause special problems, and can even be dangerous, for people with diabetes, since exercise can cause blood sugar levels to fluctuate significantly. So as to avoid these dangers, diabetics must carefully monitor their blood glucose level, and they must pay close attention to what they eat, both before, during, and after an exercise session. These concerns can cause diabetics to reduce their amount of exercise. Also, by eating too many snacks, or snacks of the wrong kind, in an effort to restore blood glucose levels, diabetic exercisers can undo some or all of the benefit they would otherwise derive from exercise.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A system is claimed for optimizing the exercise training of a diabetic exerciser, so as to provide maximum exercise benefits while avoiding the special, exercise-related health risks faced by diabetic exercisers. The claimed system includes software operable on a computer and software operable on a portable electronic device, such as a conventional MP3 player, that is able to communicate with the computer and with a blood glucose monitor worn by the exerciser. The computer software is able to accept input data allowing it to evaluate the fitness level of an exerciser. It is also able to accept information regarding gym memberships and other exercise opportunities that are available to an exerciser, and determine therefrom an optimized diet and exercise program for the exerciser. The portable electronic device can then obtain the optimized exercise program from the computer and direct the exerciser in carrying out the optimized exercise program, while at the same time monitoring the blood glucose level of the exerciser during each exercise session and, in preferred embodiments, warning the exerciser if his or her blood glucose level fluctuates beyond a specified range.

In various embodiments, the portable electronic device can also monitor and report the exerciser's heart rate, and can record blood glucose levels and heart rates during exercise for later upload to the computer, where a workout log is maintained. In some embodiments, the workout log can be printed, emailed, or otherwise supplied to a health care provider. In other embodiments, the computer is able to accept input data regarding what food the exerciser has eaten and when, and to make dietary suggestions that will enable the exerciser to maintain more stable blood glucose levels both during and after exercise. In some embodiments, the software can also enable the computer to obtain additional help and support for the exerciser by communicating with a health care provider or fitness expert, either in a real-time format such as a chat session or by message-response communication such as email.

The invention is a system for optimizing exercise training of a diabetic exerciser. The system includes media containing computer software that is able to direct the actions of a computer so as to cause the computer to accept input data regarding a physical status of the exerciser and determine therefrom an optimized exercise program for the exerciser. The system also includes media containing portable device software that is able to direct the actions of a portable electronic device, the portable electronic device being in communication with the computer and with a blood glucose monitor, the portable device software being able to cause the portable electronic device to obtain the optimized exercise program from the computer, and direct the exerciser in carrying out the optimized exercise program while the portable electronic device monitors the blood glucose level of the exerciser and presents to the exerciser information pertaining thereto.

In preferred embodiments, the portable electronic device is an MP3 player, a personal digital assistant, a blood glucose monitor, a hand-held computer, and/or a laptop computer.

In certain preferred embodiments, the portable electronic device is able to communicate with a heart rate monitor while the exerciser is exercising, and the portable device software is able to direct the portable electronic device to monitor the heart rate of the exerciser while the exerciser is exercising and present to the exerciser information pertaining thereto.

In some preferred embodiments, the system further includes a computer, a portable electronic device, a blood glucose monitor, a heart rate monitor, and/or a communication enabler that enables communication between the portable electronic device and at least one of a blood glucose monitor and a heart rate monitor.

In various preferred embodiments, the portable electronic device is able to present information to the exerciser at least one of audibly and visually. In other preferred embodiments, the input data regarding the physical status of the exerciser includes at least one of age, gender, height, and weight.

In preferred embodiments the computer software is able to direct the computer to accept input data pertaining to exercises performed by the exerciser, and to determine therefrom a current fitness level of the exerciser. In some of these embodiments determining the current fitness level of the exerciser includes using a one-rep-max fitness calculator.

In certain preferred embodiments the computer software is able to direct the computer to accept input data specifying exercise equipment available to the exerciser, and to determine an exercise program that makes optimal use of the available exercise equipment. In some preferred embodiments, during an exercise session, the portable device software is able to direct the portable electronic device to play music to the exerciser, report the exerciser's heart rate to the exerciser, report the exerciser's blood glucose level to the exerciser, report to the exerciser blood glucose parameters, report to the exerciser a total of calories burned during the exercise session, and/or report to the exerciser workout information indicating types and quantities of exercises performed.

In other preferred embodiments, the portable device software is able to direct the portable electronic device to warn the exerciser if the exerciser's blood glucose level is not within a specified range.

In preferred embodiments, the portable device software is able to direct the portable electronic device to record data obtained during the exercise session and communicate the data to the computer. In some of these preferred embodiments the data recorded during the exercise session include the exerciser's heart rate, the exerciser's blood glucose level, a total of calories burned, and workout information indicating types and quantities of exercises performed. In other of these embodiments the computer software is able to direct the computer to create and maintain a workout log in which at least some data recorded during an exercise session are recorded. In still other of these embodiments the computer software is able to direct the computer to accept nutrition data regarding the exerciser's intake of nutrients at times associated with an exercise session and using the nutrition data and data recorded during the exercise session, suggest changes to at least one of an exercise program and a recommended diet for the exerciser. And In various of these preferred embodiments the computer software is able to direct the computer to communicate at least some of the data recorded during the exercise session to a healthcare provider.

In preferred embodiments the computer software is able to direct the computer to communicate with an advising professional that is at least one of a healthcare provider and a physical training professional. In some of these embodiments the computer software is able to direct the computer to transmit information regarding the exerciser to the advising professional, transmit information regarding the optimized exercise program to the advising professional, transmit data recorded during an exercise session to the advising professional, receive input from the advising professional regarding at least one of suggested diet changes and suggested exercise changes, and modify at least one of exercise suggestions and dietary suggestions according to input received from the advising professional.

In various preferred embodiments the portable electronic device includes the computer. And in other preferred embodiments the portable electronic device includes the blood glucose monitor.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be more fully understood by reference to the detailed description, in conjunction with the following figures, wherein:

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an embodiment in which the portable electronic device is a conventional MP3 player, showing an exerciser supplying data to a computer controlled by the software of the present invention, the computer communicating with the MP3 player, and the MP3 player being in communication with a blood glucose monitor and a pair of headphones;

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1A, showing the MP3 player obtaining an optimized exercise program from the computer, the optimized exercise program having been determined by the software;

FIG. 1C is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1A, showing the exerciser engaged in an exercise session with the MP3 player secured to an arm of the exerciser, the blood glucose monitor being attached to the exerciser and in wired communication with the MP3 player;

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an embodiment similar to FIG. 1A, but also including a heart rate monitor that is attached to the exerciser and in wireless communication with the MP3 player;

FIG. 2B is a perspective view of an embodiment similar to FIG. 1A, except that the computer is a portable computer that serves as both the computer and the portable electronic device;

FIG. 2C is a close-up view showing the exerciser engaged in an exercise session with the portable computer sitting nearby and in wireless communication with a blood glucose monitor attached to the exerciser;

FIG. 2D is a perspective view of an embodiment in which the portable electronic device includes the functionality of a computer and of a blood glucose monitor, showing an exerciser supplying data to the electronic device;

FIG. 2E is a close-up view showing the exerciser engaged in an exercise session while wearing the portable computing device of FIG. 2D in wired communication with a blood glucose sensor attached to the exerciser;

FIG. 2F is a close-up view of an MP3 player similar to the MP3 player of FIG. 2A, showing a blood glucose level and a heart rate being displayed, and showing an adaptor attached to the computer interface port so as to enable wired connection of both a blood glucose monitor and a heart rate monitor to the computer interface port;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 2A, showing the computer obtaining from the MP3 player heart rates and blood glucose levels recorded during the exercise session;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 3, showing the recorded heart rates and blood glucose levels being printed at a doctor's office after having been emailed from the patient's computer to the doctor's computer; and

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention showing a computer controlled by the software of the present invention enabling a diabetic exerciser to communicate with a physical training professional using a real-time video chat session.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

With reference to FIG. 1A, the present invention is a system 100 for optimizing fitness training of a diabetic exerciser 102. The system 100 includes computer software that is able to direct the actions of a computer 104, and portable device software that is able to direct the actions of a portable electronic device 106, the electronic device being in communication with the computer 104 and with a blood glucose monitor 108. In the embodiment of FIG. 1A, the portable electronic device is a conventional MP3 player. In similar embodiments, the system includes a custom portable electronic device 106, a custom blood glucose monitor 108, a custom heart rate monitor (item 202 of FIG. 2A, discussed in more detail below), and/or an adaptor that enables wired connection of a blood glucose monitor 108 and/or a heart rate monitor 202 to the computer interface port 107 of a conventional MP3 player 106. In the embodiment of FIG. 1A, the blood glucose monitor 108 includes a cable 109 that allows it to connect to the computer interface port 107 of the MP3 player 106.

Data 110 characterizing the physical status of the exerciser 102 is supplied to the computer 104, including basic statistics such as the age, gender, height and weight of the exerciser 102. In some embodiments, the computer software can direct the exerciser 102 to perform benchmark exercises, such as “one-rep-max” exercises, and provide the results to the computer 104 so as to further characterize the fitness level of the exerciser 102. The input data 110 can further include information regarding gym memberships and other exercise equipment and exercise opportunities that are available to the exerciser. The computer software is then able to determine an optimized exercise program for the exerciser 102.

In the embodiment of FIG. 1A, the portable electronic device 106 is a conventional MP3 player that is able to store music and by play it to the exerciser 102 through a set of conventional headphones 112. The MP3 player 106 is also able to communicate with the exerciser 102 using the headphones 112 and/or by displaying information on a visual display 114 so as to direct the exerciser 102 in carrying out an exercise program, and so as to warn the exerciser 102 if the exerciser's blood glucose level exceeds a specified range.

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment 100 of FIG. 1A, showing an optimized exercise program being transferred from the computer 104 to the MP3 player 106.

FIG. 1C is a perspective view of the exerciser 102 carrying out an optimized exercise program on an exercise apparatus 116 that is available to the exerciser 102 due to membership at a gym. The MP3 player 106 is secured to an arm 118 of the exerciser 102, and is in wired communication with the blood glucose monitor 108 worn by the exerciser 102 near her wrist. During the exercise session, the MP3 player 106 displays the blood glucose level of the exerciser 102 on its visual display 114, and transmits an alarm tone to the exerciser 102 through the headphones 112 if the exerciser's blood glucose level fluctuates outside of a specified range. In similar embodiments, the MP3 player reports the exerciser's blood glucose level to the exerciser 102, and/or reports blood glucose parameters such as an average of the blood glucose level during an exercise session, a block-average of the blood glucose level, a maximum and/or minimum blood glucose level recorded during the exercise session, and such like.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an embodiment 200 similar to the embodiment 100 of FIG. 1A, except that the MP3 player 106 is in wireless communication with a heart rate monitor 202, in addition to being in wired communication with the blood glucose monitor 108. The MP3 player 106 simultaneously records the blood glucose level and heart rate of the exerciser 102 during the exercise session, while also playing music to the exerciser 102 through the headphones 112. The MP3 player 202 also reports a total of the calories burned during the exercise session. In the embodiment of FIG. 2A the MP3 player 106 further records workout information indicating types and quantities of exercises completed, for later upload to the computer 104.

FIG. 2B illustrates an embodiment of the present invention in which the portable electronic device is a portable computer 204. In FIG. 2B, the exerciser 102 is entering information into the portable computer 204 which is then used by the software of the present invention to determine an optimized exercise program. As is illustrated in FIG. 2C, the exerciser then brings the portable computer 204 to an exercise location, where it directs the exerciser 102 in carrying out the exercise program, while at the same time communicating wirelessly with a blood glucose monitor 108 so as to display and record the exerciser's blood glucose level.

FIG. 2D illustrates an embodiment of the present invention in which the portable electronic device 206 is both a handheld portable computer and a blood glucose meter in wired communication with a blood glucose sensor 208. As shown in FIG. 2D, the exerciser 102 enters information into the portable electronic device 206 using a stylus 210. The information is used by the software of the present invention to determine an optimized exercise program. As is illustrated in FIG. 2E, the exerciser then brings the portable electronic device 206 to an exercise location, and wears the device 206 while exercising. During the exercise session, the portable electronic device 206 directs the exerciser 102 in carrying out the exercise program, while at the same time monitoring and recording the exerciser's blood glucose level using the wired remote sensor 208. In similar embodiments, the remote electronic device 206 includes a built-in sensor that makes contact with the exerciser 102 when the remote electronic device 206 is worn by the exerciser 102.

FIG. 2F is a close-up view of an MP3 player 106 similar to the MP3 player of FIG. 2A, showing the blood glucose level and heart rate of the exerciser 210 displayed during the exercise session on the display 114 of the MP3 player 106. In the embodiment of FIG. 2B, an adaptor 212 functions as a communications enabler that is used to enable simultaneous wired attachment of both a blood glucose monitor 214 and a heart rate monitor 216 to the computer interface port 107 of the MP3 player 106.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing uploading to the computer 104 of data recorded by the MP3 player 106 during an exercise session. In preferred embodiments, the data can include a log of exercises performed and a recording of the exerciser's blood glucose level and heart rate during the session. The data can also include details regarding any snacks or other food eaten before, during, and/or after the exercise session. The computer software is then able to suggest changes to the exercise program and/or to the exerciser's food consumption so as to maintain appropriate blood glucose levels while optimizing exercise benefits.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment 400 in which a workout log is emailed by the exerciser to a medical facility, where it is printed on paper 402 so that it can be reviewed by the exerciser's doctor. As an alternative, the workout log 402 can be printed by the exerciser 102 and mailed to the healthcare provider, or brought by the exerciser 102 to a medical appointment. It can also be downloaded to a memory stick or to any other medium that can be readily transferred by the exerciser 102 to the health care provider, or it can also be transmitted to the health care provider by email or any other convenient electronic means.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment 500 in which the computer software of the present invention enables a diabetic exerciser 102 to use the computer 104 to communicate with an advising professional 502. In the embodiment of FIG. 5, the exerciser 102 is communicating in a real-time video-chat format. In preferred embodiments, the software is able to transfer data from the workout log to the advising professional, and is also able to receive input from the advising professional and to revise its exercise and dietary suggestions accordingly. The advising professional 502 can be a physical training professional, a health care provider, or a fitness expert. The exerciser 102 can communicate with the advising professional 502 using a real-time method such as a chat session, or by a message-response communication method such as email.

Other modifications and implementations will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention as claimed. Accordingly, the above description is not intended to limit the invention except as indicated in the following claims.

Claims

1. A system for optimizing exercise training of a diabetic exerciser, the system comprising:

media containing computer software that is able to direct the actions of a computer so as to cause the computer to accept input data regarding a physical status of the exerciser and determine therefrom an optimized exercise program for the exerciser; and

media containing portable device software that is able to direct the actions of a portable electronic device, the portable electronic device being in communication with the computer and with a blood glucose monitor, the portable device software being able to cause the portable electronic device to obtain the optimized exercise program from the computer, and direct the exerciser in carrying out the optimized exercise program while the portable electronic device monitors the blood glucose level of the exerciser and presents to the exerciser information pertaining thereto.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the portable electronic device is at least one of:

an MP3 player;

a personal digital assistant;

a blood glucose monitor;

a hand-held computer; and

a laptop computer.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the portable electronic device is able to communicate with a heart rate monitor while the exerciser is exercising, and the portable device software is able to direct the portable electronic device to monitor the heart rate of the exerciser while the exerciser is exercising and present to the exerciser information pertaining thereto.

4. The system of claim 1, further comprising at least one of:

a computer;

a portable electronic device;

a blood glucose monitor;

a heart rate monitor; and

a communication enabler that enables communication between the portable electronic device and at least one of a blood glucose monitor and a heart rate monitor.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the portable electronic device is able to present information to the exerciser at least one of audibly and visually.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the input data regarding the physical status of the exerciser includes at least one of age, gender, height, and weight.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the computer software is able to direct the computer to accept input data pertaining to exercises performed by the exerciser, and to determine therefrom a current fitness level of the exerciser.

8. The system of claim 7 wherein determining the current fitness level of the exerciser includes using a one-rep-max fitness calculator.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the computer software is able to direct the computer to accept input data specifying exercise equipment available to the exerciser, and to determine an exercise program that makes optimal use of the available exercise equipment.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein during an exercise session the portable device software is able to direct the portable electronic device to at least one of:

play music to the exerciser;

report the exerciser's heart rate to the exerciser;

report the exerciser's blood glucose level to the exerciser;

report to the exerciser blood glucose parameters;

report to the exerciser a total of calories burned during the exercise session; and

report to the exerciser workout information indicating types and quantities of exercises performed.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein the portable device software is able to direct the portable electronic device to warn the exerciser if the exerciser's blood glucose level is not within a specified range.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein the portable device software is able to direct the portable electronic device to record data obtained during the exercise session and communicate the data to the computer.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the data recorded during the exercise session include at least one of:

the exerciser's heart rate;

the exerciser's blood glucose level;

a total of calories burned by the exerciser; and

workout information indicating types and quantities of exercises performed.

14. The system of claim 12, wherein the computer software is able to direct the computer to create and maintain a workout log in which at least some data recorded during an exercise session are recorded.

15. The system of claim 12, wherein the computer software is able to direct the computer to:

accept nutrition data regarding the exerciser's intake of nutrients at times associated with an exercise session; and

using the nutrition data and data recorded during the exercise session, suggest changes to at least one of an exercise program and a recommended diet for the exerciser.

16. The system of claim 12, wherein the computer software is able to direct the computer to communicate at least some of the data recorded during the exercise session to a healthcare provider.

17. The system of claim 1, wherein the computer software is able to direct the computer to communicate with an advising professional that is at least one of a healthcare provider and a physical training professional.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein the computer software is able to direct the computer to at least one of:

transmit information regarding the exerciser to the advising professional;

transmit information regarding the optimized exercise program to the advising professional;

transmit data recorded during an exercise session to the advising professional;

receive input from the advising professional regarding at least one of suggested diet changes and suggested exercise changes; and

modify at least one of exercise suggestions and dietary suggestions according to input received from the advising professional.

19. The system of claim 1, wherein the portable electronic device includes the computer.

20. The system of claim 1, wherein the portable electronic device includes the blood glucose monitor.