A new “smart coach” service aims to assist individuals with type 2 diabetes in developing healthier lifestyle choices for improved long-term well-being. Diabetes, particularly when poorly managed, can result in complications such as vision loss, kidney issues, and nerve damage. It has also been linked to Alzheimer’s disease, sometimes referred to as “type 3 diabetes.”

The global rise of diabetes presents significant healthcare cost concerns. Holmusk, a digital health and data analytics company, highlights that over 415 million people worldwide have diabetes, a figure that continues to grow annually. They emphasize that diabetes-related complications are a leading cause of hospitalization.

A 2016 article in BMC Public Health reported that Singapore’s diabetes healthcare expenditures surpassed S$1 billion in 2010 and are projected to exceed S$2.5 billion by 2050. The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) found in 2015 that Singapore has the second-highest prevalence of diabetes among developed countries, impacting over 10% of individuals aged 20 to 79. Alarmingly, three in ten individuals with diabetes develop the condition before the age of 40.

Holmusk emphasizes that the substantial financial burden of diabetes, both for individuals and healthcare systems, coupled with the personalized nature of diabetes management, presents a significant opportunity for technology to offer scalable and engaging solutions. Their advisory board includes medical doctors and thought leaders in relevant fields.

Dr. Yau Teng Yan, Chief Medical Officer at Holmusk, explains that the conventional model of infrequent clinic visits is unsustainable with the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases. He advocates for shifting patient care towards prevention and integrating it into patients’ homes and communities.

Holmusk’s solution, GlycoLeap, is a subscription service that combines human expertise and mobile technology to encourage healthier behaviors. The service tracks user behavior through various tools and delivers personalized coaching advice from human dietitians via a mobile app, acting as a lifestyle coach to motivate users.

Nawal Roy, CEO and Founder of Holmusk, emphasizes GlycoLeap’s transformative potential in bringing diabetes care into people’s daily lives. He underscores the company’s commitment to revolutionizing healthcare experiences for individuals living with chronic diseases.

GlycoLeap leverages behavioral science principles to promote positive health results for individuals with diabetes. The program facilitates small, sustainable lifestyle adjustments that can lead to moderate weight loss and better blood glucose control (measured by HbA1c levels) within six months.

Users actively participate in the program by photographing their meals using the GlycoLeap app for evaluation by a team of dietitians. Additionally, they receive smart devices, such as a wireless scale, glucometer, and fitness band, to track weight, blood glucose levels, and physical activity, providing the coaching team with comprehensive insights for delivering timely feedback and support.

Dr. Yau points out that GlycoLeap prioritizes user-friendliness and the importance of human interaction in its design. The app’s interface prioritizes intuitiveness and ease of use, drawing inspiration from popular apps like Facebook, WhatsApp, and Uber. The devices are designed for seamless integration, with features like the wireless scale syncing data automatically to the user’s account.

Dr. Yau highlights the crucial role of human connection in health-related behavioral change. The app’s two-way messaging feature, enabling direct communication with a dietitian, significantly improved user engagement and provided a platform for personalized education and relationship-building. This approach encourages honest discussions and fosters a supportive environment for behavior change.

Dr. Yau shares a case study of a user who initially exhibited irregular eating habits and an aversion to vegetables. Through consistent guidance from the health coach via the app, she began incorporating more balanced meals and vegetables into her diet. The accountability and rapport established through the app led to significant improvements in her HbA1c levels.

He further emphasizes that the GlycoLeap model optimizes dietitian time. The intuitive system allows dietitians to efficiently review a user’s diet and activity history, enabling them to focus on providing the most impactful advice. This streamlined approach enables a single dietitian to effectively manage up to 200 clients daily, significantly exceeding the capacity of traditional clinic-based consultations.

According to Dr. Yau, GlycoLeap primarily targets individuals at the earlier stages of the diabetes spectrum, including those with prediabetes, newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes, and early-stage type 2 diabetes.

While acknowledging that widespread adoption of this innovative model may take time, Holmusk is actively seeking appropriate channels to reach potential beneficiaries. Dr. Yau underscores the importance of early intervention for better long-term health outcomes and cost-effectiveness.

The program also benefits individuals with diabetes who have co-occurring conditions like hypertension, as the dietitians are equipped to provide comprehensive counseling. Dr. Yau emphasizes that for complex cases like late-stage kidney disease, GlycoLeap serves as a supportive tool, and users should always prioritize guidance from their primary medical team.

Holmusk currently provides monthly PDF summaries that users can discuss with their doctors and is actively exploring methods for closer integration with healthcare providers. Plans for the next six months include developing specialized programs for prediabetes and other chronic conditions like high blood pressure and cholesterol.

Another significant development is the upcoming integration of an AI-powered chatbot designed to offer immediate support to users. Dr. Yau anticipates this hybrid human-AI system, expected to launch in a few months, will enhance scalability while maintaining effectiveness.

Singapore-based user Wen Shi shares her positive experience with GlycoLeap, highlighting a significant reduction in her HbA1c levels after six months of using the program. She credits the dietitians’ food rating feedback for helping her understand the impact of different foods on her blood sugar control.

GlycoLeap, currently available in Singapore, is expected to launch in Malaysia and Hong Kong by early 2017. The app is accessible on both iOS and Android platforms.

The service operates on a monthly subscription basis, with a six-month core program priced at S$69 per month, followed by a maintenance program at S$20 per month with no minimum commitment and the flexibility to cancel anytime.