You've heard of brain training – now there's a glucose meter that connects to the Nintendo DS to help train diabetic children to test themselves regularly.

The Didget meter, developed by Bayer Healthcare, rewards children for consistent blood glucose testing habits by awarding them points which they can use to unlock new game levels and buy items in the game.

Children earn points for blood glucose tests within their personalised target range, the number of tests per day, and the minimum time between tests. They also receive bonus points for consistently testing at least three times per day for at least one week, and up to 90 days.

The product is intended for children aged 5-14, and is the "first and only" blood glucose monitoring system that connects directly to the Nintendo DS and DS Lite, the company says.

Bayer plans to launch the device in the UK and Ireland, but did not say when. It comes with the Knock 'Em Downs: World's Fair game and mini game arcade – the consoles are sold separately.

The Didget was developed in conjunction with a parent of a child with Type 1 diabetes. Paul Wessel noticed that his son was constantly losing his blood glucose meter, but could always find his Nintendo Game Boy. He founded his own company, Guidance Interactive Healthcare, to develop a product that would help his son manage his diabetes. Bayer then linked up with Mr Wessel – who is now an employee of Bayer Diabetes Care – to develop the Didget.

It uses the same technology and test strips as Bayer's Contour glucose meter, which is already available for adults.