Press release 17.12.2025
An impact-based health programme to improve the treatment of type 2 diabetes has been launched in South Karelia
The number of people with type 2 diabetes in Finland is increasing, and the additional diseases it causes place a burden on the health care system and the economy. The South Karelia Well-being Region is developing
new solutions to improve the effectiveness of care for a key public health problem.
The aim of the South Karelia Wellbeing Region is to find effective solutions that improve the quality of care for type 2 diabetes and reduce the risk of additional diseases.
A joint project between the South Karelia Wellbeing Region, the University of Eastern Finland and the Diabetes Association is studying the impact of digital lifestyle interventions on the health, quality of life and treatment outcomes of people with type 2 diabetes.
– Diabetes care is one of the priorities in our region. This project is a concrete example of how we combine care and digital solutions for the benefit of our customers,” says Juuso Tamminen, Director of Impact and Information, South Karelia Wellbeing Region.
The study will involve 225 people aged 35-74 from southern Karelia with type 2 diabetes and an increased risk of additional diseases.
Digital solutions to support lifestyle change
The programme will use digital tools, the BitHabit Small Actions lifestyle app and the Onnikka weight management app.
The research project will monitor participants’ blood glucose levels, blood pressure, weight, cholesterol levels and quality of life for a year. The aim is to create new models that can be used more widely in Finnish healthcare.
– Lifestyle changes are a key way to prevent additional diabetes-related diseases, but many people find it difficult to change their lifestyle. Digital solutions can provide flexible and personalised support in everyday life to help with treatment,” says Elina Pimiä, a specialist physician at the Diabetes Federation.
National and international importance
The project will produce new research data on Real World Evidence (RWE) with the University of Eastern Finland. The research results will be used to build sustainable policies to mitigate the growing health and economic burden of type 2 diabetes
– This is an example of how organisations, the welfare region and the university can work together to promote the health of Finns. The Diabetes Federation wants to be at the forefront of building cost-effective solutions for the treatment of public diseases,” says Juha Viertola, Executive Director of the Diabetes Federation.
The aim is to extend the health programme to include a social impact bond (SIB). Impact investing projects have been carried out in the past in Finland, for example in the field of employment. This would be a new model of cooperation in the health sector.
Project promoters
The project is implemented in cooperation with the South Karelia Wellbeing Region, the Finnish Diabetes Federation and the University of Eastern Finland. The digital BitHabit application is provided by Wellpro Solutions Oy and the Onnikka weight management application is provided by Onnikka Health Oy. Boehringer Ingelheim has supported the preparation of the project and the implementation of the new digital tools.
Further information:
Juuso Tamminen, Director of Impact and Information, South Karelia Wellbeing Region,
juuso.tamminen@ekhva.fi
Elina Pimiä, Specialist General Practitioner, Specialist in Endocrinology, Diabetes Association,
elina.pimia@diabetes.fi
