Young inventor receives global accolade

Manama : Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland – Medical University of Bahrain (RCSI Bahrain) nursing student Aiman Alsaho has claimed a silver medal at the Ninth International Invention Fair in Kuwait recently, for his efforts in inventing an educational and responsive device for diabetics and their carers/guardians.

21-year-old Aiman, who is now in the final semester of the four-year BSc Nursing programme, was selected by the Ministry of Youth and Sport (GOYS) as one of five representatives of Bahrain at the event, which took place at the Kuwait Science Club.

The inspiration for Aiman’s invention, named ‘DM Guidance’ in reference to the formal term of Diabetes Mellitus, came about as a result of his work with RCSI Bahrain’s Mobile Diabetes Unit, which operates as part of the curriculum within RCSI Bahrain’s School of Nursing and Midwifery.

The DM Guidance model consists of portable storage device for needles, insulin and additional materials, a wrist band to be worn by the patient and a series of smartphone applications for family members/carers, all of which are digitally connected to provide reminders for medication and meal times, confirmation that medication has been administered, as well as other important information.

The device also provides monthly reports regarding the patient’s condition and education on how to deal with hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia, with the overall aim being to improve the lifestyle of diabetics, while increasing awareness of the condition.

The event, organised in collaboration with the International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva is widely regarded as one of the largest specialised invention exhibitions in the world.

Around 245 inventors from 36 countries presented a total of 195 exhibits during the five-day event, which attracted over 42,000 visitors. 

The judging panel – consisting of experts from the International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva – awarded Aiman’s project a silver medal in the medical category.

Aiman’s selection to the international event came on the back of his winning first prize in a four-phase national competition run by the Ministry for Youth and Sport.

Aiman has submitted an application for a patent for his device to Bahrain’s Youth Innovation Center and is currently awaiting response from the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).