A Dubai-based specialist diabetes clinic has released its first report on the results of its care model, showing that continuous data monitoring is beneficial for dramatic improvements in the health of those affected.
The GluCare Integrated Diabetes Center, which describes itself as “the world’s first healthcare provider with integrated continuous data monitoring” and the “first healthcare provider in the region to use digital therapeutics (DTx)”, was founded last September. It has now published its first preliminary results, showing that its patients achieved an average HbA1c reduction of 1.7 percentage points over 90 days.
The report explains, “For diabetic patients, HbA1c is a key measure of how well blood sugar has been controlled on average over a period of three months. Studies have shown that a 1% reduction in HbA1c points results in a 21% reduction in endpoint diseases related to diabetes, a 21% reduction in diabetes-related deaths, a 14% reduction in heart attacks, and a 37% reduction. Reduction in microvascular complications.
“GluCare’s preliminary performance outperforms the world’s best programs, which generally have more modest reductions over a three to twelve month period.”
THE GREATER CONTEXT
At the beginning of their treatment plan, patients are reportedly given an attached starter kit that includes a wearable band that measures heart rate and heart rate variability, breathing rate, physical activity, skin temperature, and sleep patterns. They are also equipped with a portable blood glucose meter. The kit then collects data in real time, using artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to identify real-time information and risk factors for each patient.
“While technology is at the heart of what we do, it is through the application and use of that technology that we can interact with our patients in more meaningful, effective, and supportive ways,” said Ihsan, co-founder and CEO of GluCare AlMarzooqi. “Using data to understand our patients’ health enables us to be present in the clinic and more effectively prescribing care. This technology also enables us to connect with them and provide meaningful support between visits. Our technology enables us to offer a more human-centered approach to diabetes care that works according to our findings. “
AlMarzooqi added that the company’s newly released results show that its care model is “not only effective, it far outperforms traditional care models.”
“The cost of diabetes is enormous. Not only on a social and economic level, but fundamentally on an individual level, ”he continued. “Our first results show that the world’s first care model from GluCare is not only effective, but also far surpasses traditional care models. Our integrated approach also outperforms newer stand-alone technology-based platforms.
“It is a blessing to be able to introduce our care model in a country where uncontrolled diabetes is so prevalent and to prove its effectiveness. It gives an idea of what is possible for patients around the world who have long suffered from inadequate care and support in a healthcare system that simply did not work for them. “
Last year, AlMarzooqi stated that the center’s establishment was due to a large number of diabetics in the UAE who reported non-compliance with their care plans. Currently, people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes make up about 20% of the total population, he said.
WHY IT IS IMPORTANT
Additional results from this report show an average total body weight reduction of 4.7%, an average reduction in low density lipoprotein (LDL) of 25%, and an average blood glucose time in the 79% range, which is well above the recommended 70% American Diabetes Association. “
For comparison, GluCare cited US-based remote diabetes management platform Livongo, whose HbA1c results, released in 2018, reportedly highlighted an average reduction of 1 percentage point.
ON THE RECORDING
“The cost of investing in these new models of care is exponentially less than doing nothing. In the long term, we hope to be able to show all of our stakeholders – whether patients, governments, payers or employers – that we are able to achieve far better results, but at lower unit costs. In other words, better value for money, ”said Ali Hashemi, Co-Founder and Chairman of GluCare. “Our North Star is to change human behavior in a sustainable way, which leads to improved results. A little intuitively, we use advanced AI and technology as a humanizing force to bring about this change. “
Once launched, GluCare was the first clinic in the region to offer the Dexcom G6 Continuous Glucose Monitor and implement AI in retinal eye exams through a partnership with Topcon Healthcare.
