Boehringer collaborates on digital diabetes self-management program

Hannah Blake

pharmaphorum

Boehringer Ingelheim has signed a contract with US digital health management company, Healthrageous, Inc., to collaborate in a pilot study of a lifestyle behaviour modification program to improve the health status of people with type 2 diabetes.

Study participants will experience a digital technology intervention that combines digital coaching with a wireless glucose meter, which will transmit data to clinical monitors. As the tool is internet-based, it will allow an evaluation of the intervention on changes in lifestyle behaviours, glucose control, additional medical parameters and medication adherence.

The goal of the program, which in the first phase will be tested by 200 US adults diagnosed with type 2 diabetes for at least 6 months, is to leverage technology in a way that makes the personalised journey of self-managing diabetes easier and more effective.

“Boehringer Ingelheim is known for innovation in research and development and for bringing high quality medications quickly to the market. But we are also committed to a ‘beyond pill’ approach in healthcare. We have to pursue a new approach to see the patient with all his or her aspirations but also limitations... This first initiative offering a comprehensive digital platform for Type 2 diabetes will help us to better understand what motivates individuals to become and remain engaged in self-managing their health.”

Bert Tjeenk-Willink, Member of the Board of Managing Directors of Boehringer Ingelheim.

An estimated 366 million people worldwide have type 1 and type 2 diabetes and the number is expected to grow considerably over the next few years due to unhealthy lifestyles. If the results of this web and smartphone delivered program show the expected benefits, it will be expanded to encompass up to one thousand patients in different countries.