The ADA and Withings Join Forces to Reduce Diabetes Risk and Complications

Calls have been growing louder to more effectively address the related problems of diabetes-related foot ulcers (DFUs) and amputations, two of the most serious consequences of diabetes-related peripheral neuropathy (DPN). Health associations like the American Diabetes Association® (ADA), patient advocacy groups, patients, and providers all see the need to improve the detection of DPN, earlier intervention, and more effective treatments to combat an amputation problem that disproportionately impacts communities of color and lower economic status.

Unfortunately, there is not a large body of research related to the question of simple compliance with the ADA’s standard of an annual foot exam for people with diabetes. However, a study published in Clinical Nursing Research journal in 2017 indicated only 16% of patient charts reviewed in a specialty clinic met the ADA’s standard for an annual foot exam. Clinicians regularly report seeing patients who present with serious DFUs who have never had a proper foot examination.

With the goal of promoting patient education on diabetes-related foot health, earlier detection of neuropathy, and regular diabetes-related foot exams, Withings has partnered with the ADA’s Project Power to put smart scales in the homes of approximately 2,305 participants in 849 cities with particularly high-risk and vulnerable communities. Project Power’s goal is to reduce diabetes risk factors and improve diabetes health literacy, self-care behaviors, and glycemic management. The program is conducted with a combination of in-person and remote sessions that focus on topics such as nutrition, exercise, emotional health, heart health, glucose monitoring, and foot health.

Sherry Hill, program director for Project Power, commented, “We are excited to be working with Withings to bring the Project Power participant experience to the next level. By bringing smart scale technology into our participants’ homes, we hope to provide personalized solutions to achieve healthier living goals to reduce the risk for type 2 diabetes and help prevent or delay its complications.”

For Withings, Project Power is one of the many examples of how its sophisticated health technology is being used to better connect patients and their health coaches with appropriate care from a clinician. By flagging potential issues earlier and setting up regular monitoring, patient health outcomes can be improved. Through early interventions, lifestyle changes have a better chance of slowing complications.

Learn more about Project Power.

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