u-blox sponsors GSMA’s mHealth Grand Tour for diabetes awareness

Thalwil, Switzerland – September 6, 2013 – Swiss-based u‑blox, a leading provider of high-performance wireless and global positioning components, is proud to participate as a sponsor in a 13-day 2,100 km bike tour from Brussels to Barcelona bike tour organized by the GSMA’s mHealth (“Mobile Health”) diabetes awareness initiative. The GSM Association is a global alliance representing the interests and goals of over 800 service providers around the world.

The goal of the tour is to raise awareness of the urgent, growing problem of diabetes, while demonstrating live solutions to manage the disease and improve quality of life.

 

Seven u-blox riders will complete the journey to highlight two main weapons to combat diabetes; regular exercise and advanced health monitoring technology.  Arrival in Barcelona is scheduled to coincide with the 49th Annual Meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD).

 

u-blox will also be demonstrating a mHealth solution during the ride: one employee will be equipped with a u-blox GSM and GPS enabled tracking wristwatch. The remote monitoring watch, the “guard2me” provided by Swiss-based LOSTnFOUND, is a wirelessly connected tracking device that is part of a web-based system that is able to remotely report position or if a wearer has fallen. It also provides an on-demand “panic button” to summon assistance, while the wearer’s medical records are automatically delivered to first aid responders.

 

Diabetes is a chronic disease for which there is no cure, but effective treatment is available. It’s a life-long condition requiring careful monitoring and control. With medication and the right medical equipment, diabetes sufferers can lead active, independent and healthy lives while reducing the risk of developing complications.

 

With over 375 millions diabetes sufferers worldwide, and the number set to double over the next 30 years, remote monitoring technology will play a crucial role in improving quality of life for those affected. u-blox is pleased to be a leading provider of the enabling wireless and positioning technology necessary to manage diabetes.