Weight loss and modeled cost savings in a digital diabetes prevention program

Abstract

Abstract Background Participation in the National Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) can improve individual health through reduced risk of type 2 diabetes and save the healthcare system substantial medical costs associated with a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes and its associated complications. There is less evidence of outcomes and cost savings associated with a fully digital delivery of the DPP. Methods This study assessed 13,593 members who provided an initial digital weight and subsequently achieved various weight loss and engagement outcomes during their participation in a digital DPP. Analyzed data included both complete observations and missing observations imputed using maximum likelihood estimation. Findings include members' behavioral correlates of weight loss and a literature‐based cost‐savings estimate associated with achieving three mutually exclusive weight loss or engagement benchmarks: ≥5% weight loss, >2% but 2% but <5%, 32.0% maintained ±2%, and 3.6% gained weight. Members who lost the most weight achieved their weight nadir furthest into the program (mean day = 189, SE = 1.4) and had the longest active engagement (mean days = 268, SE = 1.4), particularly compared to members who gained weight (mean nadir day = 119, SE = 3.7; active engagement mean days = 199, SE = 4.9) (both p ≤ 0.0001). Modeled 1‐year cost‐savings estimates ranged from $11,229,160 to $12,960,875. Conclusions Members of a fully digital DPP achieved clinical and engagement outcomes during their participation in the program that confer important health benefits and cost savings.

Keywords

• DPP
• medical cost savings
• obesity
• type 2 diabetes