Video games are super fun. I love playing them. In fact, I’ve been playing them for years. My favorite console manufacturer without a doubt is Nintendo (full disclosure: this is not paid advertisement); the games are original, family friendly, and the most fun, at least in my opinion.

“Hey! But, this is a diabetes website!” you might be thinking. I’m getting there, and it’s another reason to love Nintendo.

If you have children or grandchildren, you have probably seen a Nintendo DS. It’s a handheld console with a plethora of games.

In the early 2010’s, Bayer teamed up with Nintendo to produce the Bayer Didget Blood Sugar Monitor, to contribute to the ongoing battle against juvenile diabetes.

This gadget, which connects to the Nintendo DS like a normal cartridge would, makes the battle against type 1 diabetes children easier, as it entices them to check their blood sugar more regularly by tapping into kids’ love for video games.

Testing blood glucose levels is the most important means of managing diabetes, but kids are not very fond of the tests. However, if it’s turned into a game, it may persuade them.

Didget works like any other glucose meter, but it turns into an online “world” where users can connect and play games with other children with diabetes.

Wait, you don’t like videogames or don’t own a Nintendo DS? Good news!  you don’t one to use the Didget.