While I agree with Simon Usborne’s concern about the proliferation of tracking devices, he fails to make a sufficient distinction between the “worried well” and the life-changing benefits to those living with medical conditions (Intimate data: can a person who tracks their steps, sleep and food ever truly be free?, 5 October). As a type 1 diabetic for 40 years, a glucose tracker linked to my phone has transformed my ability to manage my own health without the constant background anxiety around activity and food intake, and has enabled me to lead as normal a life as possible.
Many years ago, as a civil servant, I worked with teacher unions and charities supporting children with medical needs to look at the barriers to learning, including diabetes. A glucose tracker should be given on the NHS to every young person. This would transform their lives and save the NHS a fortune in the long run.
Laura Cunningham
Lewisham, London
Source: Health-tracking devices can be life-changing | Letter