Bringing diabetes management to your smartphone

Published November 20, 2018

Every year 1.5 million more Americans are diagnosed with diabetes. The impact is expansive: The Blue Cross Blue Shield Health IndexSM shows that among more than 200 health conditions, type 2 diabetes falls within the top five conditions with the greatest impact on quality of life and longevity for Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS) members. And direct medical costs to treat diabetes can add up to more than $237 billion each year.

For the 30.3 million Americans living with diabetes, managing symptoms is essential to staying healthy for the long run. Today, new technology is making this easier and more convenient.

Through the Health of America Diabetes Collaborative, BCBS companies are forming strategic partnerships to identify diabetes management solutions that are effective in improving healthy lifestyle behaviors, such as diet and exercise, and lowering blood sugar levels. Many of these innovative partnerships leverage the latest in healthcare technology to help people gain control of their diabetes.

By analyzing program results and hearing directly from members, the Health of America Diabetes Collaborative allows BCBS companies to offer its members programs that are proven to be effective in managing diabetes.

BCBS companies team up with technology to offer innovative diabetes management solutions

BCBS Federal Employee Program & Livongo: Remote diabetes monitoring program with health coaches and real-time blood glucose readings that alert caregivers to problems and provides instant access to diabetes specialists. Results: Increase in hemoglobin A1C test and diabetic nephropathy screenings.
Arkansas BCBS, BCBS of Georgia, BCBS of South Carolina & Onduo: A virtual diabetes program that includes connected devices such as continuous glucose monitors and coaching with lifestyle specialists and certified diabetes educators to improve A1C and overall health in a personalized manner. Results: Within 6-9 months following enrollment, participants saw lower blood sugar levels, which can reduce symptoms and the risk of Type 2 diabetes. Two-thirds of participants with A1C levels greater than 8 reduced lev
Empowering patients: "I had a doctor's appointment this morning and he did an A1C test and I just had to tell you that my results were 7.4! I am so excited! I have never been this low since my diagnosis." Arkansas BCBS member with Onduo

Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina are independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, an association of independent, locally operated Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Service Benefit Plan, also known as the Federal Employee Program (FEP®), has been part of the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP) since its inception in 1960. It covers roughly 5.3 million federal employees, retirees and their families out of the nearly 8 million people who receive their benefits through the FEHBP.

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