Globally, 9.3% or 463 million people suffer from diabetes, according to the International Diabetes Federation. The chronic condition is especially prevalent in affluent nations, where diets are rich and lifestyles more sedentary. However, it is also growing in developing nations, which are starting to put in place healthcare plans for non-communicable disease.
Being a chronic condition, diabetes requires self-management, be it glucose monitoring, insulin dosing or diet and activity monitoring. Digital innovation in diabetes has enabled such self-management and consequently catalysed digital health policies in Europe and the US.
In line with World Diabetes Day (14 Nov), we showcase 5 key trends we see in the digital diabetes space.
1. More enabling policy environments and demand for digital diabetes innovations
France is replicating Germany’s reimbursement process for digital health applications
A part of the NHS Long Term Plan commitment, NHS England provides artificial pancreas devices (Automated Insulin Delivery/ AID systems) to 1,000 type 1 diabetes patients as part of a pilot study
FDA clears more diabetes innovations including Bigfoot Biomedical’s insulin dose recommending pen caps and an app for Abbott’s continuous glucose monitor Freestyle Libre 2
China’s younger generation seem to be open to using digital apps for diabetes management, with DNurse as a pioneer in the field
2. Governments lead by example
The UK NHS is piloting a new app with HeadUp Systems which will see users wear wrist-worn devices to generate personalised health recommendations and award points to motivate healthier habits
In the same vein, Singapore and partnered LumiHealth have developed a personalised program to encourage healthy activity and behaviours using the Apple Watch
3. Increased coverage of digital diabetes solutions
Esysta, a diabetes management app for patients needing insulin, was temporarily enrolled in the DiGA (a German directory of reimbursed health applications) at 249,86 €. It is subject to further evaluation before full coverage
Diabeloop’s artificial pancreas system was registered for reimbursement in France
In the US, private health insurers are piloting, covering, or investing in digital health solutions in chronic care management
4. Tech giants expand their role in diabetes and healthcare
UnitedHealthcare is making Apple Fitness+ available to millions of members at no cost
Fitbit adds blood glucose tracking to its connected app and works with LifeScan to integrate health tracking apps with glucose monitoring devices
Amazon Care, which started as a service for its Washington employees, has expanded to offer telehealth and in-person services to those outside its company
5. Covid-19 boosts digital chronic care management
Amid the pandemic, people in Germany were increasingly aware of the digitization of the healthcare system. Based on a representative survey, 78% of participants said that the last years events have made clear to them the importance of digitalization in the healthcare system.
Given Covid 19 restrictions, France started a pilot to remotely monitor gestational diabetes patients. This was further expanded with almost 8000 patients expected.
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