Type 2 diabetes patients could benefit from AI-powered nudges: report

Getting people with type 2 diabetes to take that final step in behavior change could significantly improve their blood sugar levels over time. The question is how to do it effectively and consistently.

Recent research suggests that personalized, artificial intelligence (AI)-powered health nudges could be part of the solution. Report from telehealth provider Teladoc Health.

Telehealth providers reported tripled patient engagement and a 0.4-point decrease in A1C scores, according to new data presented at the American Diabetes Association's 84th Scientific Sessions.

Additionally, Teladoc members with diabetes who received a weekly email with personalized next-best-action suggestions powered by predictive modeling were 50% more likely to engage with a health coach.

The study was conducted over a nine-month period and showed a clear association between participation in the program and improved clinical outcomes, Teladoc said. Data showed that patients identified as at risk of losing control of their diabetes saw their A1C levels drop from an average of 8.2% to 7.8% when they received personalized notifications via their mobile or cell phone device.

The results of this study are consistent with previous The study was published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research The experiment demonstrated Teladoc Health’s ability to proactively identify people at risk for uncontrollable outcomes more than a year before using AI.

The study also showed that dedicated coaching can improve diabetes management. In the study, Teladoc evaluated how customized email content could be used to increase one-on-one coaching in a digital program for people with type 2 diabetes. The newsletters used predictive models to suggest next-best actions (e.g., coaching, digital activities) for patients to manage their condition based on members' engagement with Teladoc Health's services.

Members who received personalized next-best actions powered by predictive modeling in an enhanced weekly email were 50% more likely to engage with coaching services compared to members who received a standard newsletter.

Teladoc's research Peterson Institute for Health Technologies Analysis A report released in March found that digital diabetes management tools fail to deliver meaningful health benefits to patients and increase spending.