THIT 2024: Google Unveils Comprehensive Diabetes Fitness Program with Apollo 247

This collaboration aims to bring together technology, healthcare, and fitness to offer a holistic approach to diabetes management.

Google Health recently unveiled its strategic approach to healthcare through a comprehensive diabetes fitness program in collaboration with Apollo 247, DiabetEase, a diabetes fitness initiative. The program aims to collaborate with 400 individuals managing Type 2 diabetes by integrating Fitbit devices into their health regimen.

This collaboration aims to bring together technology, healthcare, and fitness to offer a holistic approach to diabetes management. The announcement was made at the THIT (Technology in Healthcare Innovation and Transformation) conference held on February 23rd and 24th in Bengaluru. 

Anisha, the Strategic Partnership Lead, Cross Google (APAC), took the stage to present Continuum care, the central theme of Google's health initiative, as a critical aspect of managing chronic conditions. 

"At Google and Google Health, one of our missions is to provide a billion healthier lives. And we've been doing that through providing access to information, infrastructure, interpretation channels to consumers, caregivers, and communities," she said.

She emphasized that the focus is on creating healthier lives through proactive measures and engaging programs.

The Urgency of Diabetes Management

Dr Srividya from the Digital Therapeutics team at Apollo 247 took the stage to emphasize the pressing need for effective diabetes management. 

With an alarming rise in diabetes cases in India and an escalating risk of developing the condition, the collaborative program addresses the core issues of sedentary lifestyles and poor dietary habits leading to obesity and insulin resistance. 

"In our current population, the risk of developing diabetes from pre-diabetes is vastly increasing to more than 60% in the next five years," she added.

Dr Srividya stressed the importance of lifestyle changes and continuous care in managing and potentially reversing diabetes.

DA Holistic Approach to Diabetes Self-Management

The diabetes self-management tool by Apollo 247 brings a ray of hope to those grappling with the chronic condition. The tool empowers individuals to take control of their health by providing features for monitoring blood sugar levels, insights into glucose trends, personalized activity and diet plans, and educational resources. 

Dr Srividya highlighted the significance of adhering to these plans for improved outcomes, reduction in complications, and overall well-being.

The diabetes self-management tool incorporates unique features such as blood glucose level logging, personalized activity, and diet plans, "Know Your Food" to make informed dietary choices and a comprehensive tracking tool for activity and diet. 

With a focus on adherence and user education, the tool aims to instill lifelong habits, promote overall health, and combat associated conditions like hypertension and dyslipidemia.

Anisha, representing Google Health, delved into the pivotal role of Fitbit in this collaborative initiative. Fitbit, known for its emphasis on sleep, nutrition, activity, and mental well-being, is set to play a crucial part in motivating individuals to achieve their fitness goals. 

The announcement highlighted the empirical evidence supporting Fitbit interventions, showcasing positive impacts on physical activity, weight management, chronic conditions, rehabilitation, and recovery.

The collaborative program seeks to evaluate the effectiveness of health coaching and promote behavioral changes among participants. Physical activity emerges as a critical pillar, and Fitbit's interventions are designed to positively influence mental well-being, disease management, weight management, and the ability to perform everyday activities.

Empirical Evidence

Anisha shared key findings from independent studies, revealing a strong correlation between regular physical activity and decreased risks of chronic diseases. 

Notably, individuals achieving a minimum of 10,000 steps daily witnessed a remarkable 44% reduction in the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. The evidence reinforces the transformative potential of technology in promoting healthier lifestyles.

Dr Srividya emphasized the multifaceted approach required for effective diabetes management, highlighting success stories where users transitioning from sedentary to active lifestyles experienced significant reductions in HbA1c levels, improved sleep quality, and substantial weight loss. 

The integration of technology, data-driven insights, and personalized care holds the promise of not just managing but potentially reversing chronic conditions. 

The collaborative program's holistic approach, leveraging the expertise of Google, Apollo 247, and Fitbit, paves the way for a new era in continuum care, ultimately empowering individuals to take charge of their health and well-being.