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.

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.