Web-based health applications provide useful and cost-effective tools; however, they should include key clinical variables and incorporate a coding or classification system.

Smoking is widely recognised as a cause of enormous additional mortality and morbidity, but information about patients’ smoking habits is not containedwithin the software. It is clear that the Indian subcontinent is not free of these problems, and it is a major risk factor for coronary heart disease. Glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) is included as a measure of diabetic control in studies published about diabetic control from India, though reported as being a test not readily available in some places.Whilst it is listed in the variables list supplied, it is listed in the ‘other tests’ section – and it is not sufficiently prominent in the application. HbA1c, like smoking, creatinine, renal disease, microalbuminuria and proteinuria, is not mentioned anywhere within the text of the paper. Although ideal weight is calculated, it might be useful to calculate bodymass index (BMI). This would allow comparison of results in this population with others.