Team AKA Digital kicked off the Summer Startup Program in June 2023 to explore the healthcare digitalization ecosystem regarding the prevention and treatment of obesity and diabetes in Saudi Arabia, to understand the startups’ position in the ecosystem, and how they contributed to preventing and treating these diseases.
In our previous post, we offered a sneak peek into the perspectives of key stakeholders, shedding light on how healthcare digitalization has bolstered efforts in preventing and treating obesity and diabetes. Now, in this installment, we are set to delve deeper into the intricate dynamics that define Saudi Arabia’s healthcare digitalization ecosystem in terms of the prevention and treatment of obesity and diabetes. Below, we present a compilation of insights that we are excited to share:
- The interconnection of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases
In the realm of health, the challenges posed by obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases reverberate on a global scale. These conditions not only jeopardize individual well-being but also strain healthcare infrastructures and societal fabric.
Our interviews unveiled a crucial facet: obesity, while not universally recognized as a disease in Saudi Arabia, plays a pivotal role in driving the prevalence of diabetes. This correlation is particularly pronounced in the context of type 2 diabetes. What’s particularly striking is that cardiovascular diseases, responsible for a significant share of mortality in Saudi Arabia, often find their origins intertwined with type 2 diabetes.
The intricate interplay between obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular issues underscores the urgency of proactive intervention. Addressing the root cause—obesity—seems to hold the key to preventing the cascade of diabetes and cardiovascular ailments. Raising collective awareness about these conditions emerges as a potent strategy to exert control over their impact.
By fostering understanding and disseminating knowledge about the interconnectedness of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases, we might unravel a pathway toward improved public health outcomes in Saudi Arabia and beyond. Through education and awareness, we aspire to pave the way for a healthier future, where these pressing concerns are met head-on.
- The culture and lifestyle in Saudi Arabia
During our interviews, many stakeholders mentioned the culture and lifestyle in Saudi Arabia, which while deeply rooted in tradition, have contributed to the prevalence of obesity and diabetes.
Treasure of Culinary Heritage: Saudi Arabian culture places immense value on culinary traditions and the act of sharing meals. Food is not just sustenance; it’s a symbol of hospitality, unity, and heritage. Lavish feasts are an integral part of social gatherings and celebrations, showcasing the richness of the country’s cuisine. However, as modernization has introduced convenience and processed foods, these dietary practices have transitioned from their original healthful roots. The cultural importance of abundant, richly flavored dishes can contribute to overeating, fostering obesity and diabetes.
Car-Centric Lifestyles: The reliance on cars has grown as Saudi cities have rapidly developed. Because of the geography and weather, infrastructure is often tailored to cars, with limited provisions for pedestrians and cyclists. This shift has led to reduced physical activity levels, a crucial factor in the rise of obesity and diabetes.
- Healthcare digitalization products to prevent or treat obesity and diabetes in Saudi Arabia
On the healthcare professional side, there are apps that sync with various health-related apps. These apps allow healthcare professionals to monitor their patients in real time and assess how well they are managing their conditions. This monitoring is particularly useful for patients with diabetes and obesity.
For patients, there are specialized apps designed to aid caregivers dealing with sick family members, especially children. These apps come in two types: one for obesity management and the other for diabetes. The obesity management apps include digital health, fitness, exercise, and nutrition apps that help users with exercise routines, diet management, and overall body health and weight.
The diabetes app called Mysugar allows patients to connect their diabetes devices, such as blood glucose meters (BGM) and continuous glucose monitors (CGM), via Bluetooth. Additionally, certain insulin pumps, like the one offered by Sanofi, can also be connected to the app using Bluetooth. The app then generates comprehensive reports based on the data from these devices. Caregivers also have access to these apps, enabling them to closely monitor their patients and provide timely care and support.
Across Saudi Arabia, there are several remote diabetes management applications available. These apps integrate with various diabetes devices, including blood glucose meters and insulin pumps, and have call centers with doctors available for assistance. The apps record and analyze data such as blood pressure test results, and they even provide continuous guidance from nutritionists to ensure that patients follow healthy diets.
While there are numerous players in the Middle East offering healthcare digitalization apps, their performance varies based on the perspective (B2C or B2B). From a business-to-business (B2B) standpoint, companies often partner with third-party providers and offer the service to their employees, resulting in higher compliance and commitment. However, when the service is out of pocket for individuals, there is typically less traction. To address this, discussions with insurance companies are ongoing to evaluate the effectiveness of these apps in reducing HbA1c levels, a key metric for monitoring diabetes management progress.
- Strong support exhibited by the government
Our team AKA Digital had the incredible opportunity to visit The Garage in Saudi Arabia, an innovation hub focusing on the financing and mentoring of emerging and disruptive technology-based startups. The Garage was launched in collaboration between the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), and The Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones.
One of our stakeholders, Nabta Health was nurtured by The Garage. These startups can utilize the resources and guidance provided by the Garage to revolutionize healthcare solutions. Their story underscores the profound impact that strategic support can have on turning visionary ideas into tangible, game-changing products.
Kudos to the Saudi government for its unwavering commitment to fostering innovation and advancement. Their dedication to creating an ecosystem that propels startups forward is truly commendable. Initiatives like the Garage play a pivotal role in this endeavor, paving the way for local talent to shine on the global stage.
- Reducing gender and regional inequality
As previously discussed, both the Saudi Arabian government and the private sector have undertaken significant endeavors to address gender and regional disparities. This section will delve into the ways in which these inequalities have been alleviated.
Regarding gender inequality, our discussions with interviewees and insights from a study titled “Prevalence of Vitamin D Deficiency in Saudi Adults” reveal a noteworthy disparity. Vitamin D deficiency afflicts 69.6% of women and 49.3% of men, with women experiencing this deficiency at a rate nearly 1.5 times that of men. This deficiency is closely linked to an increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Moreover, it hinders effective blood sugar management, particularly for individuals already grappling with diabetes, owing to vitamin D’s crucial role in insulin production and utilization.
To address this kind of gender inequality, the establishment of Nabta Health stands out as an initiative aimed at redefining women’s healthcare concerning chronic diseases within the region. In recognition of the past taboo surrounding women with diabetes, some companies have even integrated psychologists into diabetes clinics to prioritize the psychological well-being of women undergoing treatment.
On the front of regional inequality, the healthcare system operates through a hierarchy of primary, secondary, and tertiary hospitals. While primary hospitals are widely dispersed across the kingdom, their scope is primarily foundational. Cases necessitating more specialized care are typically referred to secondary or tertiary hospitals, predominantly situated in major urban centers. As a measure to mitigate this regional disparity, there has been a concerted effort to establish diabetes clinics in rural areas.
The collaborative endeavors of both the public and private sectors have culminated in tangible progress toward reducing the identified inequalities.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all stakeholders for their invaluable insights, which have provided us with a glimpse of a vibrant and ever-progressing Saudi Arabia. We firmly believe that through the continuous efforts of these stakeholders, awareness surrounding obesity and diabetes can be heightened. With their unwavering dedication, more patients will live a quality life.
INSEAD SUMMER STARTUP TOUR 
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