Diabetes Australia reports that around 1.8 million Australians have diabetes. This includes all types of diagnosed diabetes (1.2 million known and registered) as well as silent, undiagnosed type 2 diabetes (up to 500,000 estimated).
One 21 February, Zurich Australia – a large life insurer – announced they were starting an exclusive pilot with “Pops Diabetes Care”. The pilot will use an “app” paired with a “mHealth device” and “AI Health coach” to enable life insurance customers with diabetes to self-manage their condition better.
The pilot was announced to be available on an exclusive, free-trial basis to 100 Zurich Group customers. This was applicable to customers who have a medical loading on their life insurance policy for type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
Pops is a first-of-its-kind integrated health management system consisting of a simple glucose meter that attaches to a smartphone. Paired with the Pops app and AI health coach, it wirelessly records blood sugar results making it one of the most discreet and easy to use diabetes self-management tools available.
The real-time app also features an AI virtual coach, Mina, to assist and facilitate with the following:
- Identify trends, enabling the user to take a more active role in managing their condition.
- Keep track of HbA1c (blood sugar) goals.
- Set health targets and provide guidance and tips on how best to achieve them.
- Provide conversation and education on diabetes.
- In the US, use of the Pops system has led to health improvements for users in the way of reduced glucose levels^.
^ Research from the International Journal of Digital Health concluded that a 17% improvement in blood sugars was sustained for 24 months. See full research article at https://www.graphyonline.com/archives/IJDH/2021/IJDH-107/
This is general information that is not specific to any one person. Life insurance and Financial Advice services are provided by Experien Insurance Services Pty Ltd (EIS) ABN 99 128 678 937 and Experien Financial Services Pty Ltd (EFS) ABN 32 631 346 757. EIS and EFS are a Corporate Authorised Representative (No. 320626 and No. 1274354) of Affinia Financial Advisers Limited ABN 13 085 335 397 AFSL No. 237857. See our website for our Financial Services Guide. Always read the Product Disclosure Statement issued by an Insurer before considering insurance
