Twin Health’s Diabetes Remission Program

This article appeared in the Sep/Oct issue of MiMfg Magazine. Read the full issue and find past issues online.

In an era where technology is transforming health care, Twin Health stands at the forefront with its innovative Whole Body Digital Twin™ technology. Twin Health is a medical research and technology solutions developer founded in 2018. The organization has demonstrated success in diabetes remission and Blue Cross® Blue Shield® of Michigan is involved in the pilot to find innovative ways to reduce pharmacy costs and deliver long-term positive results for members managing diabetes.

What is the program and technology?

The Twin Health Diabetes Remission program leverages the power of the Whole Body Digital Twin™, a digital representation of a patient’s unique metabolism. This technology gathers extensive data from wearable sensors to understand and monitor the body’s metabolic functions in real time. By doing so, it offers personalized and precise guidance on lifestyle factors, such as nutrition, sleep, activity and stress management.

Twin Health is dedicated to addressing the root causes of metabolic dysfunctions that lead to chronic conditions, such as Type 2 diabetes. Their technology-driven approach aims to heal these dysfunctions rather than merely manage symptoms, thereby promoting long-term health and promoting remission of Type 2 diabetes.

How does it work?

After a physician authorizes a member to participate, Whole Body Digital Twin™ creates a digital representation of the patient’s unique metabolism and delivers precise, personalized guidance about foods, sleep, activity and breathing through an easy-to-use app.

The Whole Body Digital Twin™ is built from thousands of data points gathered daily from wearable sensors and the member’s lifestyle. It learns the unique needs of each individual and delivers precise, personalized guidance to promote remission of Type 2 diabetes and safely reduce and eliminate diabetes medications.

The program provides members with wearable sensors, continuous glucose monitors and a dedicated care team, all managed through a mobile app. Working with the care team, members make diet and lifestyle changes according to a holistic, precise, personalized treatment plan to:

• Improve and normalize blood sugar.
• Reduce and eliminate their diabetes medications.
• Feel better overall, with improved energy and mood.
• Lose weight.

   

Measuring success

The success of the program is tracked through data collection and reporting. Key metrics include the reduction or elimination of high-cost diabetes medications, such as GLP-1, SGLT-2, insulin and DPP-4 inhibitors. Additionally, the program monitors a participant’s body mass index and A1C levels.

Beyond the immediate health benefits for participants, the program’s implications are profound. By promoting diabetes remission and reducing the reliance on costly medications, it helps lower pharmacy costs and fosters healthier lifestyles. This approach can effectively manage other chronic conditions, enhancing overall well-being and reducing health care expenses in the long term.

Twin Health’s Diabetes Reversal program exemplifies how advancements in technology are revolutionizing health care. Through the precise and personalized insights provided by the Whole Body Digital Twin™, participants can achieve significant health improvements, demonstrating the power of innovative solutions in managing and promoting remission of chronic conditions, such as diabetes. This pilot program not only offers hope for individuals struggling with diabetes but also sets a new standard for metabolic health management.

About the Author

Derek Bitterman is a Senior Solutions Consultant with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. He may be reached at 616-389-2032 or dbitterman@bcbsm.com.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan is an MMA Premium Associate Member and has been an MMA member company since September 2009. Visit online: bcbsm.com.

Blue Cross® Blue Shield® of Michigan and Blue Care Network are nonprofit corporations and independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

Twin Health, a separate company, provides diabetes management services to certain Blue Cross members.