Abstract:

Type 1 diabetes is a disease that manifests itself in children and adolescents. It results from impaired insulin production and is incurable, although it can be managed for a long time of life. This requires changing and maintaining specific eating habits, periodic blood glucose monitoring, and administering insulin at appropriate times and doses. Such a lifestyle regimen requires patients to develop. This learning process is supported by a mobile game app called T1DCoach (Type 1 Diabetes Coach).

T1DCoach educational game was developed for mobile devices (with Android) and simulates the physiological processes (using a specially developed mathematical model) associated with glycemia levels, which change under the influence of various stimuli. The essence of the game is to perform specific activities that people with diabetes type 1 must perform constantly. This develops healthy habits related to living with the disease, as well as their periodicity. The game interface utilizes virtual characters – digital twins of a boy (named MIKI) and a girl (named GABI) with type 1 diabetes. The digital twin, selected at the beginning of the game (not only by gender, but also by age and weight), communicates its well-being with appropriate animations. By feeding it appropriately, performing activities related to measuring blood glucose levels (disposable and using a CGM device – Continuous Glucose Monitor) and administering insulin (including operating an insulin pump), the player's task is to keep the digital twin alive for as long as possible. Gamification elements are built into the game to increase player engagement. Badges are awarded for correct decisions, maintaining accurate blood glucose levels within limits, and the digital twin's survival time. Players can also monitor the leaderboard and rank themselves on it.

Additionally, the game includes a tutorial on key concepts related to type 1 diabetes and a diabetes diary, which allows players to record the results of real-world blood glucose level measurements. The game is available free of charge on Google Play in two language versions: Polish and English.

This paper presents the game's assumption and architecture, its interface, with particular emphasis on the visualization of the digital twin's state, and the gamification results. It also presents the results of a survey designed to assess the educational value of T1DCoach app. The assessment was completed by patients in two groups of twenty people, consists of children and adolescents newly diagnosed with the disease and those with the disease for at least one year. The assessments were overwhelmingly positive in both groups.

Keywords:

Serious game, education, mobile app, diabetes type 1.