How Artificial Intelligence is Helping Type 2 Diabetes Patients Control Blood Sugar More Effectively
The world is in the midst of one of the most significant technological leaps in modern history, with the mainstreaming of artificial intelligence. While the many applications of AI tend to be controversial, there is little doubt that this breakthrough technology can be a force for good in many aspects of life when used properly. A new study indicates Type 2 diabetes management may be one of these areas.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has taken the world by storm, with applications changing how we learn, work, and share information. The fact is, AI can be a little scary as it opens up possibilities we’ve never seen before and, at the same time, poses some challenges that humanity has never faced before.
If there is one area in which AI shows remarkable promise, it is in the advancement of medicine and healthcare. From disease diagnosis to robotics surgeries, AI applications are set to significantly improve lives for millions, providing reassurance and confidence in the future of healthcare.
Imagine this - what if AI could help you do a better job managing Type 2 diabetes and controlling blood sugar? A recent study funded by Teladoc and cited in a recent article by the American Hospital Association (AHA) indicates that a friendly little reminder from a personal AI advocate might do just that, providing much-needed support and encouragement.
AI's Empowering Role in Type 2 Diabetes Management
Diabetes is a self-managed condition, and when it comes to Type 2 diabetes, factors like eating a healthy diet and getting in enough physical activity are important aspects of life that help keep blood sugar in check.
Even minor behavioral and dietary changes can have incredibly positive impacts on the management of Type 2 diabetes, and most people with diabetes do their level best to stay committed to their wellness goals.
However, we’re only human; sometimes, a little added support – even if not from a human – can make all the difference in the world. The role of AI in providing this support is significant, offering reassurance and lessening the burden for individuals managing Type 2 diabetes.
AI-Powered Personalized Health Nudges Improve Diabetes Outcomes in Teladoc Study
The new Teladoc study, presented at the recent American Diabetes Association (ADA) Scientific Session, showed that AI can be a big advocate for proper diabetes management.
In the study, Type 2 diabetes patients previously identified as being at risk for uncontrolled outcomes in the future were given “personalized health nudges” by artificial intelligence using AI predictive modeling.
For nine months, these Type 2 diabetes patients received personalized notifications through their mobile or cellular devices, which included next-best actions, coaching, and digitally driven activities tailored to each individual and generated using artificial intelligence.
The results were impressive, with data showing a 3x increase in engagement among members targeted with these personalized health nudges. Additionally, this added engagement led to a 0.4 reduction in A1C scores, dropping on average from 8.2 to 7.8.
This new study comes after a previous research program by Teladoc that used digital newsletters as the primary testing tool. In some newsletters, personalized next-best actions were provided; in others, they were not. Patients who received the newsletters with personalized information were 50% more likely to engage with a health coach, indicating that drilling down diabetes information to a granular, more personal level encourages individual action.
This latest study shows that AI-generated, personalized diabetes coaching can lead to measurable improvements in blood sugar control and A1C scores. In the future, this may be a game-changer for Type 2 diabetes patients and the healthcare teams committed to helping them lead diabetes-healthy lifestyles.
“Teladoc Health has a long-standing history of successfully using data to improve health outcomes for our members, and new applications of AI are helping us accelerate our impact,” said Sal Shafiq, chief data and analytics officer at Teladoc Health. “Our ability to use data to empower members at the moment is crucial, but the true power lies in our ability to predict health risks and make prevention a reality.”
Diabetes Will Always Be A Human Condition
New advancements in diabetes care and treatment are fantastic. As breakthrough technologies like artificial intelligence are harnessed in new and exciting ways, it will help those living with diabetes enjoy life to the fullest.
Ultimately, however, diabetes is a self-managed condition, and that’s a good thing because it means so much of the control is in your own two hands. Technology will never be able to replace the commitment it takes to effectively manage diabetes, whether for yourself, a child, or someone you love.
It’s not always easy, but making the right lifestyle decisions, following your doctor-prescribed medication schedule, having the right diabetic supplies, and working with your care team to refine your diabetes management program as necessary will always be the keys to staying healthy.
Of course, if AI can offer a friendly nudge now and then, that’s a good thing, too!
FAQs
How does AI help with blood sugar control?
Though artificial intelligence is still in its infancy, AI-generated personalized messaging was shown in a recent study to inspire people with Type 2 diabetes to engage in digital lifestyle coaching and lower their A1C scores.
Can I get help from AI for my diabetes?
The potential roles of AI in diabetes care are just starting to take shape. Teladoc Health, authors of the study cited in this post, is using AI to engage Type 2 patients, but you should speak with your diabetes physician if you have specific questions about AI and blood sugar control.
Do I need help managing diabetes?
Most people with diabetes can manage the condition independently with their doctor's guidance. However, the daily testing, treatment schedule, and dietary restrictions of managing diabetes can sometimes feel overwhelming. If you’re having trouble sticking to your diabetes treatment program or controlling your blood sugar levels, talk to your doctor about ways to help get you back on track.
At Diabetic Warehouse, we’re committed to helping those with diabetes manage blood sugar with a complete selection of testing and treatment supplies at up to 65% less than those found at most pharmacies and suppliers.