How the intervention works
The Twin Precision Treatment (TPT) intervention integrates multiple data – glucose values from a continuous glucose monitor (CGM); heart rate, activity, and sleep time from a fitness tracker; blood pressure values from a blood pressure cuff; food intake from the patient’s food log; and weight and body fat data from a smart scale – and provides the patient with precise, individualized nutrition and health guidance.
The four most critical sensors are the CGM, the fitness tracker, the smart scale, and the blood pressure cuff, Dr. Shah explained. The system gathers thousands of signals combined with patient self-reported data including mood or anxiety.
The CGM is used to build the initial nutrition guidance during the first 30 days. Once a patient is in remission, he or she can just keep the fitness tracker and smart scale.
The coaches who are part of this program include dietitians who are trained to provide compassionate patient education and help patients avoid diabetes relapse, and they are overseen by a licensed provider.
The program does not restrict calories. “It is not a diet,” Dr. Shah stressed.
The algorithm makes mini adjustments to the food a person is already eating to improve nutrition, Dr. Joshi explained. “This is personalized medicine at its best.” Patients eat food that they like and are guided to make small changes to get glucose under control and avoid glucose spikes.
The program is designed to safely deescalate diabetes medications as A1c decreases, Dr. Shamanna added.
U.S. clinical trial, health insurance coverage
The 1-year results of the current trial are expected in August, and the trial will continue for 2-=5 years, Dr. Shamanna said.
The company has started a clinical trial in the United States, with 5-year results expected in 2027.
“Currently, in the United States, we are partnering with self-insured employers and select health plans that offer [Twin Precision Treatment ] as an available benefit for their members,” Dr. Shah said. It “is suitable for most members living with type 2 diabetes, with rare exclusion situations.”
The study was funded by Twin Health. Dr. Shamanna, Dr. Shah, and Dr. Joshi are employees of Twin Health.
A version of this article first appeared on Medscape.com.