Incidence of low blood sugar reduced by up to 53.5 per cent by digital health intervention: BeatO

No episode of hypoglycaemia was observed post counselling across 81 per cent of the 7,514 diabetes patients included in the study

A recent study by smart diabetes management platform BeatO found that using digital health tools and counselling to support the management of diabetes can help reduce the incidence of low blood sugar levels by up to 53.5 per cent. The retrospective study presented at the Asian ACPCON 2021 by BeatO showed a significant impact on the reduction of hypoglycaemia incidence.

As per a release, up to 81 per cent of the 7,514 diabetes patients included in the study did not have even a single episode of low blood sugar levels in a sustained period of 11 months.

The study evaluated the medical records of 7,514 diabetes patients across India over a period of 11 months in order to assess the programme’s impact on hypoglycaemia incidence and the associated factors. The patients were chosen on the criterion of having availed at least one counselling session with a certified diabetes educator on the platform.

Post counselling, the hypoglycaemia incidence was reportedly (p<0.001) reduced by 53.5 per cent, 47.4 per cent, 39.3 per cent and 39.2 per cent in fasting, postprandial, pre-prandial and random readings respectively. As a result, no episode of hypoglycaemia was observed post counselling across 81 per cent of the patient population.

It was found that 80 per cent of patients showing improvement in hypoglycaemia incidence were mostly aged above 40 years, 91.5 per cent of which had Type 2 Diabetes and were using metformin.

In India, it is reportedly one of the largest real-world evidence based big data study to assess the impact of digital diabetes care programme on hypoglycaemia incidence, as per the company release.

The study showcases that using BeatO’s digital model which consists of BeatO’s smartphone-connected glucometer for SMBG and real-time counselling sessions by BeatO’s certified diabetes educators can support patients in managing their blood sugar levels and reducing the occurrence of hypoglycaemia. Such digital tools when used in concurrence with doctor consults and other active interventions such as regular medication can help provide awareness, education and support to patients – helping them prevent or reduce complications of low sugar. The real-time insights expedite the process of getting timely care.                                                                                                               

Furthermore, the study shows that elderly patients above the age of 60, along with patients on insulin require more direct and intensified intervention to improve their hypoglycaemia episodes.