Pequot Nation Shows Promising Diabetes Results with Telehealth

The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation has shown significant positive results in A1c reduction, weight loss and reduced insulin use after one year of using a telehealth program that treats patients living with type 2 diabetes.  

Traditional diabetes treatments have failed to make any impact on this population, which sees the highest rates of type 2 diabetes in the country. According to the American Diabetes Association, almost 15 percent of American Indians and Native Alaskans have been diagnosed with diabetes, compared to roughly 10.5 of the American population.  

In addition, roughly 20 percent of the population has undiagnosed diabetes and many more are on the brink of developing the chronic conditions.  

Telehealth programs offer an opportunity for providers to improve access to care for underserved populations, boosting care management plans that improve outcomes and reduce costs. They can also be a critical piece of Diabetes Prevention Programs, which help those at risk of developing type 2 diabetes through counseling and health and wellness education. 

After one year on a virtual care program developed by Virta Health, members of the Connecticut-based Native American community living with type 2 diabetes reduced their insulin use by 78 percent. At the start of the partnership, a 1,000-unit vial of insulin lasted nine days; after one year, the same vial lasted around 63 days. 

In addition, 69 percent of those patients lost more than 5 percent of their body weight, considered clinically significant by the US Food and Drug Administration and a benchmark in DPP programs. And 93 percent reduced their A1c levels, with an average decrease of 1.7 percent.  

The telehealth platform not only improved the health of those in the Pequot Nation, officials said, but saved money as well. Over the past two years, the community’s diabetes-specific medication costs decreased by 72 percent. The platform also helped patients reduce their medication use for associated chronic conditions like high blood pressure, cutting all medication costs in half. 

“By combining ancient wisdom with modern medicine, Virta has helped many of our members achieve health outcomes we never thought possible,” Setu Vora, MD, Chief Medical Officer of the Pequot Tribal Nation, said in a press release. “Diabetes has plagued Tribal Nations communities for decades. Now, Virta offers a solution that can truly reverse this epidemic and reduce the massive cost burden of this disease.” 

As opposed to current diabetes treatment of frequent medication use and infrequent doctor visits, telehealth platforms like Virta allow patients to connect with care providers at any time and place through an mHealth app. These platforms also personalize treatment, allowing providers to adjust care management based on the patient’s trends and dietary preferences. 

CMS has been under pressure to include virtual care in its Medicare DPP, but has so far refused, saying it wants to see more proof that connected health improves outcomes and reduces costs. Advocates say case studies like the Pequots could help make that argument. 

Telehealth has proven itself in other aspects of diabetes care management. According to a study by Kaiser Permanente, a telehealth platform helped diabetic patients manage their foot ulcers, a common affliction in people with diabetes. This platform eliminated major amputations among patients and decreased hospital visits by 52 percent.