The GSMA has launched its mDiabetes campaign with the aim of encouraging its members to better understand what are the commercial models for supporting diabetes patients with mobile services.

The idea is to look at services that have either launched or are under development, as well as identify and address market barriers, with the aim of driving more mobile services targeted at diabetes patients.

Remote monitoring of patients in their own homes with chronic diseases such as diabetes is seen as one of the mobile health services with the most potential for mass deployment.

To raise awareness about the disease, as well as its new campaign, the GSMA also announced the mHealth Grand Tour cycle ride which will run from Brussels to Barcelona in September 2013. The aim of the event is to bring together diabetes patient communities as well as the healthcare and mobile industries. Various companies and charities will enter teams for the 2,100 kilometre ride.