UCSF launches SUGAR Study

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., Nov. 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Livongo Health, an Applied Health Signalstm company focused on empowering people with chronic conditions to live better and healthier lives, today announced the launch of the Study to Understand Gaining Access to Blood Glucose Records (SUGAR), or SUGAR study, a randomized controlled trial in collaboration with the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). The study will investigate the impact of the Livongo for Diabetes program compared to the standard of care for diabetes management, using a traditional Bluetooth glucose meter.

The study will randomize 300 people with diabetes to either participate in the Livongo for Diabetes program, which includes a cellular-connected blood glucose meter, unlimited free test strips, remote digital and 1:1 coaching with Certified Diabetes Educators, or receive a Bluetooth glucose meter and unlimited free test strips. Final results will compare hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) changes in both populations at six months.

HbA1c is a commonly accepted lab measure for average blood glucose levels over a 90-day period. The HbA1c level can be a marker of the effectiveness of a diabetes management solution.

SUGAR study participants include:

• People with a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus on any type of medication
• Adults, age 18 years or older
• People not using a continuous glucose monitoring device nor an insulin pump
• iPhone users with access to data and/or Wi-Fi

"At the end of the day, it is about improving the lives of our members," said Jenna Bollyky, MD, Livongo Vice President of Clinical Research and Analytics. "This study demonstrates our confidence in the Livongo for Diabetes program and our commitment to continually improve our products through clinical investigations like this one."

The Livongo for Diabetes program is backed by a team of data scientists who Aggregate, Interpret, Apply and Iterate (AI+AI)tm substantial amounts of health data and information to create actionable, personalized and timely insights, information and nudges to improve how Livongo members experience their chronic condition.

"We are interested to see how an innovative solution like Livongo truly impacts people," said Jenise Wong, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor at UCSF and Principal Investigator of the SUGAR study. "By conducting a randomized controlled trial, we can better understand the degree to which innovative offerings improve health outcomes."

Livongo has demonstrated positive health outcomes¹, and studies show that Livongo delivers cost savings². Nearly 600 organizations, including Fortune 500 employers, innovative health systems, and the largest health plans and pharmacy benefit managers, have implemented Livongo.

About Livongo Health
Livongo pioneered the category of Applied Health Signalstm to empower people with chronic conditions to live better and healthier lives. Livongo's team of data scientists Aggregate, Interpret, Apply and Iterate (AI+AI)tm substantial amounts of health data and information to create actionable, personalized and timely insights, information and nudges to improve how our members experience their chronic conditions. Livongo is the first company at the intersection of data science, behavior enablement, and clinical impact with the technologies and capabilities to silence Noisy Healthcaretm.  Our approach is leading to better clinical and financial outcomes while creating a new and different kind of experience for people with chronic conditions.  For more information, visit: www.livongo.com.  

UC Disclaimer
The information stated above was prepared by Livongo Health to report on research conducted on its program and reflects solely the opinion of Livongo Health. Nothing in this statement shall be construed to imply any support or endorsement of Livongo Health, or any of its products, by The Regents of the University of California, its officers, agents and employees.

¹ Downing J, Bollyky J, Schneider J. Use of a Connected Glucose Meter and Certified Diabetes Educator Coaching to Decrease the Likelihood of Abnormal Blood Glucose Excursions: The Livongo for Diabetes Program. J Med Internet Res 2017;19(7):e234, DOI: 10.2196/jmir.6659

² Presentation at the 77th Annual American Diabetes Association's Scientific Sessions

SOURCE Livongo Health