DIDGET lets you monitor type-1 diabetes with your Nintendo DS

Bayer Diabetes Care has unveiled a new type-1 diabetes monitor which, though functional on its own, is compatible with the Nintendo DS. It's designed to help children manage their condition, and reduce disruption to their lives, by exploiting their love for gaming.

The DIDGET is ostensibly comparable to any other blood glucose meter on the market, but includes a social component that enables users to interact with each other, and play games online.

Brilliantly, the DIDGET awards points for consistent testing of blood sugar levels, as well as successfully meeting blood-glucose targets. These points can then be traded for level unlocks in-game.

"Diabetes is certainly an incredible intrusion into a child's life, and it's an intrusion they really don't want, whereas children play games all the time," says Larry Deeb, a pediatric endocrinologist at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, and a Bayer consultant.

Whilst the device presents clear benefits for children suffering from the disease, it is also a great example of the positive potential of gaming, and Bayer should be applauded for their insight.

Just make sure you keep the Castlevania cart somewhere else.

Currently only available in the US, the DIDGET retails for $74.99 in pharmacies.