In March, Johnson & Johnson tapped mobile health tech player Welldoc to incorporate its diabetes management platform into J&J’s latest blood glucose monitor. Now, the pair is announcing FDA clearance of the wireless integration between the two systems.
Blood glucose data will now be automatically transferred from J&J’s OneTouch Verio Flex monitoring system via Bluetooth to Welldoc’s BlueStar diabetes management platform. BlueStar will use these data to provide patients with personalized real-time feedback and virtual coaching as part of each patient’s treatment plan, according to a statement. It will also help caregivers make diabetes management decisions.
BlueStar adds another dimension to diabetes management for patients using the OneTouch Verio Flex. It joins the OneTouch Reveal web and mobile app to provide patients with a “comprehensive” and “data-driven” diabetes management solution. The OneTouch reveal app displays blood glucose data on a mobile device and turns these data into personalized reports that can be shared with caregivers and loved ones.
“Our partnership with WellDoc highlights our sustained commitment in helping to drive better health outcomes by building a more connected patient experience,” said Valerie Asbury, worldwide president of J&J’s LifeScan business, which markets the glucose monitoring system. “Integrating digital solutions such as OneTouch Reveal mobile app and BlueStar will help patients self-manage their diabetes and create value for health care providers."
The BlueStar app is free, but requires a prescription to download it. In June, Welldoc reported positive results from a study investigating the feasibility of using telephone-accessible lay coaches in tandem with BlueStar to help patients manage their diabetes. The study found that 70% of participants had sustained and active engagement with the app, while 78% shared BlueStar reports with their caregivers.