Press Releases: National
May 31, 2005
Interactive Profiling Tool Helps Predict Diabetes
Launch of diabetes predictor tool is an exciting new application of Archimedes Model virtual technology
Oakland, Calif. – Today Archimedes, a Kaiser Permanente innovation, is part of an exciting launch of a ground-breaking preventive-health tool--one that will allow individuals to predict their risk of getting diabetes or its complications.
Launched in close partnership with the American Diabetes Association, Diabetes PHD (Personal Health Decisions) is driven by the Archimedes Model. This online, interactive tool provides instant, highly accurate health profiles for people with, or at risk of developing diabetes. It can be accessed at no cost by the general public through the ADA ’s web site at www.diabetes.org/diabetesphd, and by Kaiser Permanente members at http://kaiserpermanente.org/diabetes.
Diabetes PHD provides a clear picture of how each individual can change his or her risk of getting diabetes or its complications by addressing certain health parameters. This tool will help both patients and their health care providers achieve a better understanding of the health risks associated with diabetes, to help them make informed choices to minimize those risks.
The Diabetes PHD online intake form requests individuals’ health data in many areas -- such as age, race, weight, medications, blood pressure and family history -- and produces realistic and personal health-risk projections that are far more accurate than any previous health model. Additionally, users can adjust input to see how modifications in their diet or exercise will affect their risk of developing Diabetes.
Researchers and scientists at Kaiser Permanente have been developing the Archimedes Model for nearly a decade. The Archimedes Model creates a virtual world that can simulate and "experiment" with different interventions and/or different assumptions, either individual or in combination, and explore the effects on all the important health, logistic or economic outcomes.
About Archimedes:
Archimedes, a Kaiser Permanente Innovation, uses a life-like, mathematical simulation model to create a virtual world to help health care organizations make critical clinical and administrative decisions. The model has been repeatedly tested and validated and can be relied upon to answer complex, real world questions. For background information on the Archimedes Model, go to www.archimedesmodel.com.
About Kaiser Permanente
Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America’s leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, our mission is to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve 8.6 million members in nine states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal physicians, specialists and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the art care delivery and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education and the support of community health. For more information, go to: www.kp.org/newscenter.
