Weight loss and modeled cost savings in a digital diabetes prevention program

BACKGROUND: Participation in the National Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) can improve individual health through reduced risk of type 2 diabetes and save the healthcare system substantial medical costs associated with a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes and its associated complications. There is less evidence of outcomes and cost savings associated with a fully digital delivery of the DPP. METHODS: This study assessed 13,593 members who provided an initial digital weight and subsequently achieved various weight loss and engagement outcomes during their participation in a digital DPP. Analyzed data included both complete observations and missing observations imputed using maximum likelihood estimation. Findings include members' behavioral correlates of weight loss and a literature‐based cost‐savings estimate associated with achieving three mutually exclusive weight loss or engagement benchmarks: ≥5% weight loss, >2% but <5% weight loss, and completion of ≥4 educational lessons. RESULTS: 11,976 members (88%) provided a weight after 2 months of participation, enabling calculation of their weight nadir. Considering complete data, 97% of members maintained or lost weight. Using the imputed data for these calculations, 32.0% of members achieved ≥5%, 32.4% achieved >2% but <5%, 32.0% maintained ±2%, and 3.6% gained weight. Members who lost the most weight achieved their weight nadir furthest into the program (mean day = 189, SE = 1.4) and had the longest active engagement (mean days = 268, SE = 1.4), particularly compared to members who gained weight (mean nadir day = 119, SE = 3.7; active engagement mean days = 199, SE = 4.9) (both p ≤ 0.0001). Modeled 1‐year cost‐savings estimates ranged from $11,229,160 to $12,960,875. CONCLUSIONS: Members of a fully digital DPP achieved clinical and engagement outcomes during their participation in the program that confer important health benefits and cost savings.