Digital Therapy for Type 2 Diabetes

(BRIGHT Trial)

This trial examines a digital therapy called PHOENIX to determine its effectiveness in helping people with type 2 diabetes manage their blood sugar levels. It compares this new digital tool to a standard diabetes management app. Participants will either use the PHOENIX tool alongside their usual care or start with a standard app, with the option to switch later. Ideal participants have managed type 2 diabetes with stable medication for at least three months and have access to a smartphone. As an unphased trial, this study allows participants to contribute to innovative research that could improve diabetes management for many.

The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but it requires that you have been on a stable anti-diabetic regimen for at least three months. It seems likely you can continue your current medications if they meet this condition.

Research has shown that BT-001, a digital therapy for type 2 diabetes, has been tested in earlier studies. These studies examined its effectiveness in managing blood sugar levels. While specific information on side effects is not available, the nature of the treatment offers some insights. BT-001 is an app utilizing cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a well-known and safe form of talk therapy, suggesting that its use through an app is likely low-risk.

Unlike traditional treatments for type 2 diabetes, which often rely on medication or insulin therapy, the PHOENIX digital therapy uses the BT-001 treatment, a digital platform designed to support lifestyle and behavioral changes. This innovative approach leverages technology, potentially enhancing patient engagement and adherence through personalized, interactive content. Researchers are excited because digital therapy can offer continuous, real-time support and monitoring, which could lead to more sustainable lifestyle changes and better long-term outcomes for managing diabetes.

Research has shown that the BT-001 digital therapy, which participants in this trial may receive, can help lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. One study found that patients using BT-001 had significantly lower levels of hemoglobin A1c, a measure of long-term blood sugar control, after 90 days compared to those using a different app. Another study also found that BT-001 was more effective at reducing blood sugar than the other app. This digital therapy employs cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to encourage healthier lifestyle choices, such as improved diet and increased exercise. Evidence suggests that BT-001 is a promising tool for managing type 2 diabetes.²³⁶⁷⁸