How Digital Coaching Revolutionized Cardiometabolic Management in Rural Montana
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Montana faces a growing crisis: diabetes rates have tripled since the 1990s, particularly among American Indian/Alaskan adults. However, rural communities often lack access to crucial Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES) services, leaving many struggling to manage their condition. Recognizing this disparity, the state of Montana partnered with Welldoc to explore if a digital health solution could improve access and participation in DSMES programs for residents in remote areas.
The Challenge:
- Limited access to DSMES services in rural communities
- Less than half of Montanans with diagnosed diabetes ever take a diabetes self-management course
- Need for innovative solutions to overcome barriers and improve health outcomes
The Solution:
- Welldoc’s BlueStar® digital solution, an FDA-cleared app featuring personalized coaching and support for diabetes management, was offered to eligible individuals with type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
- The program aimed to increase access to and engagement with DSMES services, ultimately improving health outcomes.
Results:
The impact went beyond simple participation. By leveraging technology, the program empowered individuals to take control of their health, leading to significant improvements:
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Glycemic Outcomes:
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- Over 66% of users tracked their glucose, and 38% of engaged users achieved an average eAG improvement of -47 mg/dL.
- The estimated average glucose improvement across all users was still impressive at -9 mg/dL.
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Blood Pressure Outcomes:
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- About 33% of users tracked their blood pressure, and those who reduced their systolic blood pressure (SBP) saw an average improvement of 10 mmHg.
- Overall, the average SBP reduction across all users was 2 mmHg.
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Weight Outcomes:
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- 40% of users tracked their weight, and those who lost weight saw an average reduction of 7% from their baseline.
- The average weight loss across all users was 3%.
The Takeaway:
This case study showcases the transformative power of digital health solutions in reaching underserved populations and revolutionizing healthcare access. By providing personalized coaching and support through an easily accessible platform, programs like this can empower individuals to actively manage their diabetes, leading to improvements in glucose control, blood pressure, and weight.
Key benefits of integrating digital health solutions:
- Unprecedented access to DSMES services, even in remote locations.
- Enhanced engagement through personalized coaching and convenient format.
- Potentially life-changing health outcomes include improved blood sugar control, reduced blood pressure, and healthy weight management.
- Data-driven insights to guide further interventions and personalize care for individuals.
This successful collaboration between the state of Montana and Welldoc demonstrates the immense potential of AI-powered digital coaching in expanding care access, empowering individuals, and achieving health outcomes for all, regardless of location.
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