Lifestyle interventions: Fitterfly’s digital platform manages childhood diabetes

15 Nov 2023 --- India-based health-tech start-up Fitterfly reports significant successes in managing type 2 diabetes in children with its digital app-based platform featuring personalized lifestyle interventions. The platform is now ready for use as cases of childhood diabetes are rapidly rising.

According to the company, type 2 diabetes cases, previously only diagnosed in adults, have increased significantly among Indian children, especially around puberty. Additionally, the company states that junk food, lack of an active lifestyle, high-stress levels and excessive screen time are causing obesity, polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD) in girls, prediabetes and type 2 diabetes.

Fitterfly endorses lifestyle modifications alongside medical advice to manage the conditions without the need for lifelong medication. 

“Diabetes no longer respects age,” says Dr Sanjay Kalra, an endocrinologist and president of the South Asian Federation of Endocrine Societies. “Type 2 diabetes is becoming increasingly common in children and adolescents.”

“These children and their families need hand-holding. Digital therapeutics is a good means of supporting and strengthening their support system. 1.9 points reduction in HbA1c speaks for the efficacy and efficiency of Fitterfly digital therapeutics in young persons with diabetes.” 

Personalized interventions
Twenty-six children were enrolled for two years in the app-based Fitterfly Diabetes program. Eleven participants had type 2 diabetes, while 15 had type 1 diabetes. Seven type 2 candidates finished the program with reduced blood sugar (HbA1c), a 1.9-point reduction.

This reduction is equivalent to or better than a combination diabetes oral therapy. In the same time frame, another 25 kids who enrolled in the Fitterfly weight loss program lost 4.1 kg in three months, demonstrating that digital programs can be highly effective.

A stand-out case from the program was a 14-year-old boy whose blood sugar levels decreased from 8.9% to 6.1%. The combination of nutrition, fitness and psychology interventions via the Fitterfly app helped him eat better, avoid junk food mindfully, exercise, reduce screen time and manage school-related stress.Fitterfly’s digital platform manages diabetes through personalized interventions.

“While technology has been the bane for the health of children, leading to rising diabetes incidence, we have successfully shown how technology can be used to help overcome diabetes as well. With the right strategies, commitment and technology, we can reverse the tide of pediatric diabetes,” says Dr. Arbinder Singal, co-founder and CEO of Fitterfly.

Modifying wellness
Fitterfly’s psychological interventions focus on time management, habit building and goal setting to manage weight loss holistically. These steps support the program’s nutritional, fitness, stress and sleep management interventions.

This is just one of the many such cases where Fitterfly has successfully modified its interventions to be age-appropriate, engaging and effective considering childhood challenges, including changing hormonal levels. 

To date, Fitterfly has presented and published more than 50 abstracts and papers on outcomes and the impact of technology in disease management. The company has raised US$16.6 million from marquee investors. Amazon led its last funding round of US$12 million with participation from existing investors, Fireside Ventures, 9 Unicorns and venture catalysts.

Meanwhile, diabetes is one of the leading causes of death and disability globally. Currently, half a billion people live with the disease, which is expected to more than double by 2050, reaching up to 1.3 billion people, according to a study in The Lancet. 

By Inga de Jong