SOMERVILLE, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Podimetrics, creator of the SmartMat Program™ and integrated clinical and patient support services that can help save the limbs and lives of complex patients living with diabetes, today announced results from a survey of 1,001 Medicaid beneficiaries in the United States living with type 2 diabetes. In recognition of Diabetes Awareness Month this November, Podimetrics, in collaboration with independent market research firm PureSpectrum, is highlighting the complex challenges faced by Medicaid beneficiaries living with type 2 diabetes — particularly the significant impact on their mental health. The survey found that 65% of Medicaid beneficiaries living with type 2 diabetes are also managing at least one chronic behavioral health condition.
“Living with diabetes is a taxing, full-time job,” said Jon Bloom, CEO and Co-founder of Podimetrics. “These survey findings reinforce the critical need to prioritize access to holistic patient care for Medicaid beneficiaries and broaden access to behavioral health support and remote monitoring technologies that help address the serious burdens that accompany many, if not all, chronic diseases.”
Behavioral health challenges represent one of the largest healthcare threats for Medicaid beneficiaries living with type 2 diabetes
According to respondents, of the 65% who have at least one behavioral health condition, 86% said they battle depression, and 66% reported they deal with anxiety disorder. Additionally, nearly 28% of respondents with a behavioral health condition live with bipolar disorder, while a similar amount (28%) reported experiencing loneliness. Shockingly, approximately one in seven (14%) admitted experiencing thoughts of self-harm and suicidality.
The behavioral health challenges experienced by Medicaid beneficiaries living with type 2 diabetes can be quite disruptive to their care, as reported by 40% of respondents who have a behavioral health condition. Of that group:
- 78% reported behavioral health challenges interfered with medication adherence;
- 61% said behavioral health issues prevented them from regularly monitoring their vitals;
- 59% reported behavioral health issues affected their ability to maintain a healthy diet; and
- 57% said behavioral health issues got in the way of their living an active lifestyle with exercise.
“Behavioral health challenges rarely live in isolation. We find our patients living with diabetes — a high percentage of whom are covered by Medicaid — are managing their diabetes and a behavioral health issue in tandem — only exacerbating the complexity of one’s chronic disease,” said Dr. Denise Levy, DPM, with Montefiore Medical Center. “Diabetes distress is real, and it impacts far too many of our most at-risk patients. Putting mental health investments on par with physical health for patients with diabetes is the one-two punch needed to make whole person care more accessible.”
Based on more than 20 years in practice as a podiatrist serving diverse and at-risk patient populations in Bronx, N.Y., Dr. Levy sees a major opportunity to integrate behavioral health with traditional physical care for Medicaid beneficiaries living with type 2 diabetes. Podimetrics is currently collaborating with Montefiore Medical Center on a pilot program focused on preventing diabetic foot ulcers, a known precursor to lower extremity amputations.
High demand for more clinical support and innovative tools, like remote patient monitoring
According to the study, 68% of respondents overall believe their complex medical situation requires more continuous care from their healthcare providers. Moreover, 69% firmly believe that more clinical touchpoints would help them address a variety of health conditions they are living with — including diabetes.
As a result, an overwhelming 86% of respondents want their health plans to cover more innovative tools and care approaches to keep them connected to their care team, with 78% believing that Medicaid plans should provide them with more digital resources to help them manage their condition. In fact, approximately two-thirds (66%) are eager to try new clinical programs and digital tools.
Many of these clinical programs could help doctors monitor patient health remotely. The study found that 84% of Medicaid beneficiaries see personal benefits to remote patient monitoring (RPM) — including one in five (21%) who report remote monitoring would help them decrease emergency department visits.
Despite their enthusiasm for remote patient monitoring-led clinical programs, most Medicaid beneficiaries living with type 2 diabetes surveyed (79%) reported not using any RPM devices today. Making the situation more complex, of the 21% that do use RPM devices, 52% of that group stated that their devices do not come with clinical support services. Using an RPM device was so important to the Medicaid population living with type 2 diabetes that it was the care strategy most chosen by the group (53%) to help them manage their condition.
To review the full report from Podimetrics, please visit: The Unseen Challenges of Type 2 Diabetes. Podimetrics conducted this study in collaboration with independent market research firm PureSpectrum, using its platform to survey 1,001 Medicaid beneficiaries with type 2 diabetes in the U.S. in September 2024. For more information on PureSpectrum’s methodology, visit www.PureSpectrum.com.
About Podimetrics
Podimetrics is the creator of the SmartMat Program™ and integrated clinical and patient support services that can help save the limbs and lives of complex patients living with diabetes. Through partnerships with regional and national health plans and at-risk providers, such as the Veterans Health Administration, Podimetrics has helped prevent amputations associated with complex diabetes. By combining cutting-edge technology with best-in-class clinical and patient support services, Podimetrics earns high engagement rates from patients and allows clinicians to save limbs, lives, and money — all while keeping vulnerable populations healthy in their own homes. For more information, visit Podimetrics.com or follow us on LinkedIn and X.
