(NAPSI)—Mobile health apps are gaining popularity as people try to manage their health using smartphones. These mobile health apps feature a wide range of functions, from letting individuals monitor their calorie intake to helping doctors view a patient’s X-rays remotely. In 2012, nearly 250 million smartphone users worldwide downloaded health apps. In addition, seven in 10 (69 percent) U.S. adults tracked a health indicator for themselves or a loved one and nearly half (46 percent) said this activity changed their overall approach to health. Doctors are also increasingly recommending apps and the medical devices they work with to help their patients manage chronic illnesses, such as diabetes. In fact, 90 percent of those surveyed agree that the Internet and mobile apps can help lead to major improvements for diabetes patients.