Blue Cross, BCN offering innovative insulin management program to qualifying members

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network are offering the d-Nav^® Insulin Guidance Service to patients who have Type 2 diabetes. We’re the first U.S. health plans to offer this service, which was recently featured by the American Diabetes Association on ADA TV** and in The Lancet.** In addition, a study has shown that the d-Nav service improves the use of insulin therapy for patients who have Type 2 diabetes.

Participants receive the d-Nav^® Phone App, which was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and a connected glucose meter. The d-Nav app provides insulin dose recommendations before each injection of insulin. Based on glucose patterns, d-Nav automatically adjusts the recommended doses when needed so that the patient’s blood sugar remains under control.

Here are additional details:

• Members receive blood glucose test strips, control solution and lancets at no extra cost (no copays).
• Members must visit a d-Nav Care Center to initiate the service.
• The d-Nav service from Hygieia is free for commercial HMO and PPO members who have Type 2 diabetes.
• The service includes individual meetings, follow-up calls and remote dose adjustments to help patients make proper use of insulin.

Participants in a nine-month health economic study reported a significant improvement to their health and well-being. Average HbA1c declined from a baseline of 9.4% to 7.1%; over 96% achieved HbA1c less than 9%; and patient satisfaction increased from 2.2 at baseline to 3.7 on a 4-point scale.

Hygieia informs members’ primary care physicians about their patients’ outcomes or any significant changes to the treatment plan. A secure physician portal allows doctors to follow the progress of their patients at any time.

Addition background information

Clinical studies suggest effective insulin treatment requires dose adjustment once or twice per week. However, dose adjustments happen much less frequently in practice, at best every eight to 12 weeks. The result is that most insulin users are exposed to the risk of hypoglycemia without benefiting from insulin’s unlimited ability to address hyperglycemia.

The d-Nav service addresses this need for frequent dose adjustments. It collaboratively supports primary care physicians and their patients by providing on-demand dose adjustment as needed between clinic visits.

For more information:

• Contact Dr. Shyla Khatiwala, Hygieia medical director, at shyla.Khatiwala@hygieia.com or call the d-Nav Care Center at 734-743-2838.
• Review a related Record article published in February.

**Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan doesn’t own or control this website.