UF and Google Team Up to Revolutionize Diabetes Care in Florida

The University of Florida (UF) and Google.org have launched a joint initiative to improve diabetes care in Florida. The partnership will expand a tele-education network to train primary care providers across the state, as well as fund an early screening initiative for type 1 diabetes.

Funding from Google.org will also provide continuous glucose monitors to underserved patients who cannot afford them. These devices allow patients' primary care providers to monitor their risks of medical emergencies such as diabetic ketoacidosis.

Since 2018, Project Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes Diabetes (ECHO) has connected endocrinologists with primary care providers at over 120 clinical sites across Florida. Google's funding will help scale this program and leverage data and AI to better guide primary care providers.

Diabetes affects over 11% of Americans, with another 28% having prediabetes. With only one endocrinologist for every 35,000 Floridians, primary care providers are often left to manage diabetes care on their own. This initiative aims to educate healthcare professionals and improve the lives of those living with diabetes.