Abbott (NYSE:ABT) and WeightWatchers today announced the availability of a connected app for people living with diabetes.
In August 2022, the companies announced a collaboration to integrate continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) with the WW diabetes-tailored plan. The integrated offering provides a mobile experience with information and insights needed for those with diabetes. It helps to make healthy adjustments to their diet, improve their glucose levels and gain more control of their health.
The app helps people with diabetes understand how food and activity impact their glucose levels. WeightWatchers members who follow the tailored plan can now access their glucose data from the Abbott FreeStyle Libre 2 CGM. This all works within their WW app while under guidance from the WW diabetes-tailored plan.
Abbott and WeightWatchers teamed up because of the importance of maintaining healthy weight with glucose control. This especially rings true for people with type 2 diabetes aiming to improve their wellbeing and prevent diabetes progression.
“Clinical data shows that healthy weight loss leads to a reduction of average glucose which is important for people living with diabetes,” said Dr. Mahmood Kazemi, chief medical officer for Abbott’s diabetes care business. “Abbott and WeightWatchers both have a long history of helping people live healthier lives. Through our partnership, members of the WW Diabetes-Tailored Plan can see within one app how food and activity impact their glucose levels with data backed by our FreeStyle Libre 2 system, so they can make healthy lifestyle choices. “
More about Abbott and WeightWatchers’ collaboration
WeightWatchers had a team of nutrition and behavioral science experts designed its tailored plan. It aims to help people with type 2 diabetes form helpful habits and meet their health goals.
The plan has demonstrated success in helping people with diabetes lose weight and lower their HbA1c, the company said.
From now until Dec. 31, 2023, new WeightWatchers members can receive a free month fo the tailored plan. They can then connect the WW app with the FreeStyle Libre 2 system. Any new FreeStyle Libre 2 users may be eligible to receive a voucher for a free trial of the system when they sign up for the MyFreeStyle Libre program.
“WeightWatchers is the #1 doctor-recommended weight-management program2, and our WW diabetes-tailored plan has been proven to reduce members hemoglobin A1c by 0.76 and decrease diabetes distress by 9.8 percent8,” said Gary Foster, chief scientific officer for WeightWatchers. “Together, our two trusted brands are helping people living with Type 2 diabetes better understand and manage their chronic condition and gain control of their health while still enjoying the foods they love.”
