Reduced medical spending associated with increased use of a remote diabetes management program and lower mean blood glucose values. (2nd September 2019) - Whaley, Christopher M.
Abstract: Aims: Many new mobile technologies are available to assist people in managing chronic conditions, but data on the association between the use of these technologies and medical spending remains limited. As the available digital technology offerings to aid in diabetes management increase, it is important to understand their impact on medical spending. The aim of this study was to investigate the financial impact of a remote digital diabetes management program using medical claims and real-time blood glucose data. Materials and methods: A retrospective analysis of multivariate difference-in-difference and instrumental variables regression modeling was performed using data collected from a remote digital diabetes management program. All employees with diabetes were invited, in a phased introduction, to join the program. Data included blood glucose (BG) values captured remotely from members via connected BG meters and medical spending claims. Participants included members (those who accepted the invitation, n = 2, 261) and non-members ( n = 8, 741) who received health insurance benefits from three self-insured employers. Medical spending was compared between people with well-controlled (BG ≤ 154 mg/dL) and poorly controlled (BG > 154 mg/dL) diabetes. Results: Program access was associated with a 21.9% ( p < 0.01) decrease in medical spending, which translates into a $88 saving per member per month at 1 year. Compared to non-members, members experienced a 10.7% ( p < 0.01) reduction in diabetes-related medical spending and a 24.6% ( p < 0.01) reduction in spending on office-based services. Well-controlled BG values were associated with 21.4% ( p = 0.03) lower medical spending. Limitations and conclusions: Remote digital diabetes management is associated with decreased medical spending at 1 year. Reductions in spending increased with active utilization. It will be beneficial for future studies to analyze the long-term effects of the remote diabetes management program and assess impacts on patient health and well-being.