Iain Mackenzie Newsbeat technology reporter

Children with type 1 diabetes can use the programme to check their condition

A handheld computer console game has been developed to help diabetic children monitor their condition.

The Didget system for the Nintendo DS is designed to encourage young people to test their blood sugar levels regularly.

Users download the results to their console and are rewarded with game points.

25,000 children in the UK have diabetes. Those with type 1 need to test their blood every few hours.

The regime can be tough, according to 11-year-old George Dove: “It is boring, but I am quite good at remembering to do it because I know if I don’t do it, I know that I could get really ill,” he said.

“When I am low I go really shaky, get blurred vision and can’t speak very well. After the first year or so you get used to it and I know when I am having a hypo.”

Hypoglycaemia, or low blood sugar, is one of the risks associated with diabetes.

However, if the condition isn’t managed properly it can lead to heart disease and blindness.

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