San Francisco-based Vida Health published an article in JMIR Formative Research. Results from 1,128 participants demonstrated dramatic improvements in glycemic control. It also highlighted an important relationship between the improved management of depression and diabetes.
Participants enrolled in Vida’s interactive digital health diabetes management program. The company designed it to enable members to manage both physical and mental health.
For patients with baseline HbA1C of >/= 9, the study showed an average 1.9-point reduction in HbA1C at four months and sustained for one year. For those with baseline HbA1C of >/= 9, participants showed a 1.4-point reduction at four months, also sustained for one year.
Participants who saw improvements in depression acuity registered nearly two times greater improvements in HbA1C. Additionally, 61% of participants saw a downward shift in depression acuity, while 55% saw a downward shift in anxiety acuity.
“We’re thrilled to see the positive, sustained impact that our integrated approach is having on our members,” said Richard Frank, MD, Chief Medical Officer for Vida Health. “It’s no surprise to us that patients who are supported as a whole person see better results than those who are treated in silos. It’s clear that patients with diabetes need integrated behavioral health support along with physical health support and we’re excited to be able to offer that to our patients.”
More about the Vida Health study
The study used a single-arm, retrospective design. Patients enrolled used the app-based intervention with one-on-one remote sessions. These sessions took place with a health coach, registered dietitian nutritionist and/or certified diabetes care and education specialist.
Users received structured lessons and tools related to diabetes management and self-care. Participants provided baseline HbA1C values and follow-up values at least 90 days after starting the program.
Vida said its platform demonstrated proven clinical outcomes across a range of conditions. These include diabetes, depression, hypertension, anxiety, and weight loss.
“Our members’ ability to sustain clinically significant short-term outcomes for 12 months is a testament to the effectiveness of Vida’s care model,” said Gretchen Zimmermann, one of the authors on the paper and head of cardiometabolic care and prescribing for Vida Health. “This model is based on human-led care, culturally responsive nutrition guidance, and integrated behavior change interventions for both physical and mental health, and I am extremely proud of our members and how we are able to facilitate their success.”
