In response to the diabetes crisis and technological progress, recent years have brought about a new form of “connected diabetes care,” defined as digital diabetes management systems based around (1) smartphone apps, (2) devices with built-in connectivity, and (3) remote human and automated coaching and support. Given its potential to help improve health outcomes and the dearth of information about it to guide patients, providers, and payers, we describe and characterize connected diabetes care offerings.
Prominent connected diabetes care providers that have published results are listed and characterized. Similarities and differences are identified and the state of available evidence is evaluated.
13 connected diabetes care offerings were analyzed for items including: health conditions managed, care team composition, connected medical devices, and evidence. We expect these companies will further expand offerings across chronic conditions, strive to integrate more deeply with the traditional healthcare system, deploy greater automation to promote scalability, and generate more robust evidence. Future trials should be randomized and have more standardized methodology in order to allow for stronger conclusions regarding comparative effectiveness.
The field of connected diabetes care has tremendous potential to improve outcomes, but it is in its infancy in terms of awareness, uptake, and effectiveness. However, existing evidence is sufficient to support further exploration and refinement of the model as the next step in team-based diabetes care. Our hope is that connected care can provide continuous clinical, lifestyle, and behavioral support for people with diabetes, delivering the right intervention at the right time.