The app allows users to understand the relationship between their lifestyle habits and blood sugar levels by analyzing real-time data. (Image provided by Kakao Healthcare)
SEOUL, Feb. 1 (Korea Bizwire) – Kakao Healthcare unveiled its new mobile service PASTA on February 1, a revolutionary tool powered by artificial intelligence aimed at managing blood sugar levels. The announcement came during a press briefing held at the Kakao Pangyo Agit in the Seoul suburb of Seongnam in Gyeonggi Province.
During the event, Kakao Healthcare CEO Hwang Hee showcased PASTA’s primary features and the inspiration behind its creation. Before diving into his presentation, Hwang revealed that he personally tested PASTA, which reported his blood sugar level at 138, highlighting the service’s real-time blood sugar monitoring capability.
Hwang emphasized the critical nature of real-time data for diabetes patients, particularly during dangerous episodes of hypo or hyperglycemia. “The real game-changer,” he noted, “is the ability to offer real-time blood glucose integration along with personalized insights tailored to each individual.”
PASTA is compatible with continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) sensors like i-SENS’s CareSens Air and the G7 from the American company Dexcom. It provides users with a personalized guide, including instructions on how to attach the sensor, precautions, and the syncing process. Once connected, blood sugar data is automatically displayed in real-time in the PASTA app via Bluetooth.
The app allows users to understand the relationship between their lifestyle habits and blood sugar levels by analyzing real-time data. It also features a ‘Vision AI’ that provides information about the food photographed, including type, nutrients, and calories.
PASTA goes further by analyzing data collected during the CGM wear period, offering insights into blood sugar variability, glycemic management indicators, average glucose levels, and more. It also presents a report highlighting the successes and areas for improvement in the user’s blood sugar management.
Hwang announced plans to integrate PASTA with insulin pens through software development kits (SDKs) with Novo Nordisk and BioCorp’s Mallya Smart Cap by the second quarter. “Our goal is to complete the insulin pen integration by the end of April, creating a comprehensive platform for monitoring, intervention, and treatment data,” he stated.
The CEO underscored the importance of SDK integration in providing real-time blood sugar data, noting that individual app connections could lead to sensor delays and restrict real-time data access for patients.
Hwang also shared plans to expand PASTA’s service range to chronic diseases directly related to diabetes and to explore international markets, starting with Japan this year. He cited the necessity for a combination of national income, economic strength, and government support systems for successful market penetration, highlighting Japan’s potential.
The name “PASTA” stands for Personalized, Accessible, Supportive, Tech-enabled, and Affordable, reflecting the varied blood sugar responses to the same food among individuals, much like the diversity found in pasta shapes and ingredients. Hwang explained the choice of name as an approach to encouraging healthier eating habits to minimize blood sugar spikes, emphasizing the importance of sustainable coaching.
Ashley Song (ashley@koreabizwire.com)
