News

As part of our work to support the NHS Reset campaign, we’re profiling some of the industry innovators we’re working with in our region who have solutions that can help health and care organisations manage the impact COVID-19 is having on their services or who are helping patients and the public to self manage their conditions and stay healthy. Today we’re focusing on Digibete, one of the innovator companies who participated in our inaugural Propel@YH digital health accelerator. Digibete was recently made available on the NHS to help people manage their diabetes during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Three new online services for people living with diabetes will allow them to manage their condition, with a range of videos and training available on each app for children and adults. 

Recent findings show that adults with diabetes face a significantly higher risk of dying with COVID-19 but better management of the condition can help improve control and lead to better outcomes. 

NHS investment in the technology means that patients will be offered advice on treatment and care, as well as training to adopt healthy behaviours on diet and exercise. 

This remote support will complement patients’ appointments, many of which have been going ahead throughout the pandemic, through video consultations or via telephone, and more recently in COVID protected areas. 

Children and young people with Type 1 diabetes and their families will be able to use the DigiBete App and website for a wide range of awareness, education, training and support resources. 

Three other services to support people with diabetes were also launched today. Find out more on the NHS England website. 

Professor Partha Kar, national specialty advisor on diabetes for NHS England and Improvement said:  

“Living with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes is a daily challenge for millions of people and knowing they are more at risk if they are infected with coronavirus will be worrying, but the NHS has taken action to help people and keep them safe, including the roll out of these helpful apps. 

“Access to trusted information and support is key to helping people manage their diabetes and we are delighted to support these tools which will hopefully empower people to look after their own condition and reduce their risk.” 

In May last year, Leeds-based Digibete were one of six companies who were successful in their application to join our Propel@YH digital health accelerator. They received a tailored package of support to help them with their development and they worked closely with the Yorkshire & Humber AHSN to build the evidence base for the product and received guidance and support throughout the programme to do this. DigiBete has since agreed funding with the AHSN to complete an independent evaluation of their service. 

Maddie Julian, Co-Founder and Director of Digibete talked earlier this year about how the Propel@YH programme had helped them: 

“We needed additional support to look at evidencing our effectiveness and clinical safety and understanding the NHS Landscape. These challenges were met with a high level of support and guidance which has left us ready to move forward with the next phase of our journey.” 

The mentoring was also personalised and every hour spent on the programme will make a huge difference in the long run to our business. Overall, Propel have provided us with lots of connections and conversations enabling us to fast-track through at least some of the barriers.” 

Yorkshire & Humber AHSN and the Propel@YH team are delighted to learn about Digibete’s most recent success and look forward to continue working with them in the future. Jon Fordham, Digital Navigator for Propel@YH said: 

“It is really satisfying to see one of the first companies Propel@YH worked with getting the national recognition they deserve. Digibete’s enthusiasm and belief in their innovation is really engaging and this national rollout demonstrates the critical role their solution plays.  

It is very positive to know the wider population can now benefit from Digibete’s support for families, children and young people with Type 1 Diabetes, and we will continue to support Digibete as they continue to grow.”