Workers over 50 with diabetes have improved their health and on-the-job productivity using an AI-powered app according to a clinical trial recently completed of the use of the One Drop platform in the United States.

The randomised control trial (RCT) was carried to measure the impact of the One Drop digital health platform on workplace productivity and employee health among people with type 2 diabetes. The results have been published in the Journal of Occupational Environmental Medicine (JOEM). According to the trial, employees using One Drop experienced significant productivity and functioning gains and were less likely to experience presenteeism at follow-up compared to control groups.

Six in 10 Americans live with at least one chronic condition. Many go to work — virtually or in person — regardless of acute illness or nagging symptoms. Known as presenteeism, working at minimal capacity due to health problems correlates to a 33% average reduction in individual productivity and $1,500 billion in related employer costs.

The trial showed employees aged 50 and older with type 2 diabetes using One Drop saved 8% of their time at work and 17% of on-the-job productivity, equating to $422 and $12,733 in average worker savings per year, respectively.

The One Drop platform combines connected medical devices, an AI-powered mobile app for both iOS and Android, and one-on-one coaching with certified diabetes care and education specialists (CDCES) to enable people with chronic conditions to stay healthy. The platform has been the subject of over twenty peer-reviewed clinical studies. Improvements shown in studies include 1.9% reduction in estimated blood sugar (A1C) in three months, lower systolic blood pressure, average nine-pound weight loss) and direct per-person annual cost savings. The latest study suggests the platform may also enable better day-to-day functioning for adults managing diabetes. Possible reasons include reduction of treatment-related burnout, removal of health-related stress or distractions, and increased concentration and energy.

“A healthy and productive workforce is critical for economic success and population health. Leaders who recognise this vital connection are investing in technology, like One Drop, that helps people function better day-to-day at work—where the average employee spends a third of their life”, said Jeff Dachis, CEO and founder of One Drop. “When combined with established clinical, psychological, and behavioural outcomes, productivity gains paint a complete picture of how our predictive health platform positively impacts all aspects of someone’s life—at home, at work, and beyond.”

To date, One Drop has aggregated more than 42 billion longitudinal health data points from approximately 1.5 million installed members worldwide. The company uses this data to train the proprietary machine learning algorithms behind its predictive features, including CE-marked eight-hour glucose forecasts—now linked to improved engagement and diabetes outcomes.

One Drop is currently developing a minimally invasive health sensor with continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) capabilities designed to provide greater flexibility and insights for people with diabetes compared to blood glucose monitoring (BGM) fingersticks alone. Pending regulatory approval and commercial adoption, One Drop believes that integrating its proprietary sensor and existing digital solution should augment proven outcomes and yearly cost savings for members with diabetes and other chronic conditions. The availability of this device is subject to receipt of clearance or approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.