Written by Dr. Tejaswi Kompala, Head of Cardiometabolic Clinical Strategy, Teladoc Health
For people with diabetes, reaching an A1c goal is more than managing blood sugar levels and reducing the risk of complications. It’s about gaining confidence to take charge of your own health today while laying the foundation for long-term well-being. As an endocrinologist, I work with my patients to create A1c goals that pave the way for a healthier future.
Melissa is a great example of how people can take charge of their own health to not only prevent diabetes-related health problems but live a healthier life. Before Melissa enrolled in Teladoc Health for support with her diabetes, her blood sugar was uncontrolled, she struggled with consistent weight loss, her blood pressure was worsening and she felt constantly fatigued. Her goal was to manage her health without medication. With the help of our program, Melissa made important lifestyle changes, especially to her diet, and was able to keep her diabetes in remission.
“I have been diligent with the glucose meter, diet, blood pressure readings and my results have been really good. I absolutely feel more aware of what’s happening with my body because I have the data. The biggest win for me is getting the energy back and not being tired all the time.”
Melissa
Teladoc Health member
While age and other health concerns impact each patient, the goal for most people with diabetes is to keep their A1c less than 7%.1 This helps people minimize their risk of serious complications, such as blindness and kidney disease.2 With the right interventions, some people may be able to push that goal one step further to diabetes remission, with a sustained A1c of less than 6.5% without any diabetes medications.
In an analysis of more than 210,000 members enrolled in our diabetes management program for at least six months, 58% achieved remission A1c levels.3 These results are unmatched by other diabetes programs, both in the number of members and A1c outcomes.
The success of these outcomes is fueled by our proven strategy for program enrollment. When clients utilize all channels to engage people with diabetes, enrollment increases by 42%.4 Once enrolled, we keep members engaged with a comprehensive approach that addresses lifestyle changes, including diet, activity, sleep and mental health. Narrow programs that are less personalized and focused on one behavior can negatively affect engagement or may not consider the long-term cardiovascular effects. With the Teladoc Health diabetes management program, 94% of members are still actively engaged six months after enrolling.5
Not only are we helping members achieve remission A1c levels, but we’re doing it with an approach that follows clinical guidelines. Members see the effects of our program and realize long-term complete cardiometabolic health benefits.
With support from Teladoc Health, members can also successfully reduce or discontinue medication. Our analysis shows that 9% of insulin-using members stop insulin without the addition of any medications.3 When Suzanne enrolled in Teladoc Health, she had been living with diabetes for 30 years and dealing with high blood pressure. The program provided her with smart devices, expert coaches and an easy-to-follow personalized plan.
“I was at a place where I was just keeping the status quo. [The program] gave me the motivation to turn around what I was doing and be more focused. I had been insulin-dependent for 20 years, and I finally came off insulin altogether. I’ve lost 80 pounds, and it’s made a huge impact on my life.”
Suzanne
Teladoc Health member
With a clinically based approach to improving complete cardiometabolic health, we can help more members like Suzanne and Melissa reach their A1c goals, reduce the risk of complications and, most importantly, empower them to live their healthiest lives.
[Sources]
1American Diabetes Association
3Teladoc Health data on Type 2 diabetes members through June 2024 (CLIA-56).
4Teladoc Health 2021 enrollment averages.
5Teladoc Health survey of 250 physicians, October 2023.
