Diabetes care has never been evenly distributed. In many underserved communities, people face steep barriers to diagnosis, monitoring and long-term support. Access to specialists is limited. Costs can be prohibitive. For some, geography alone makes it difficult to stay connected to care. Joe Kiani, founder of Masimo, has supported the development of AI-based technologies aimed at improving access. As digital tools become more widely used in healthcare, they are creating new ways to reach people who have long had limited options.
AI is not a replacement for care, but it can reduce barriers. In places where follow-up is inconsistent, or travel is difficult, digital platforms can help extend support in ways that are timely, useful and easier to maintain.
The Problem of Unequal Access to Diabetes Care
Diabetes is a complex chronic condition that requires ongoing monitoring and regular interaction with the healthcare system. Yet, for many people in rural communities or lower-income neighborhoods, access to endocrinologists, registered dietitians or even basic lab testing is often limited. These barriers can delay diagnosis or disrupt follow-up care, leading to higher complication rates and poorer outcomes.
Even where care is technically available, logistical issues like transportation, work schedules and limited health literacy can stand in the way of consistent support. As a result, people in underserved areas may not receive early interventions or tailored recommendations that could help them avoid serious health events later.
Using AI to Support Smarter, More Accessible Diabetes Care
Artificial intelligence is not a magic solution, but it does offer scalable ways to reach more people with targeted, personalized insights. AI-powered digital tools can now analyze vast amounts of data from wearable devices, electronic health records and user-reported inputs to deliver real-time feedback and guidance.
These tools are being used to:
- Identify early markers of blood sugar instability
- Deliver customized recommendations for diet, activity and medication adherence
- Send alerts when patterns suggest rising risk
- Simplify communication between patients and providers through digital dashboards
For people who don’t easily access a care team, these tools provide critical support between appointments or, in some cases, in place of traditional visits altogether.
Telehealth and Remote Monitoring as Equalizers
One of the most significant shifts has been the rise of remote monitoring and telehealth services. These platforms allow patients to engage with clinicians, diabetes educators or coaches, without needing to leave home. For those in remote or resource-limited areas, this flexibility removes a key barrier.
Devices like continuous glucose monitors can now transmit real-time data directly to cloud-based systems where AI algorithms assess trends and send timely feedback. This enables healthcare providers to step in early when intervention is needed, even if they’re miles away.
The acceleration of telehealth and remote monitoring didn’t happen overnight. It was driven by necessity during the pandemic, when digital tools quickly became essential for reaching patients without access to in-person care. As Joe Kiani put it, “AI-powered digital health tools are breaking down barriers to diabetes care, bringing personalized support, early detection, and ongoing monitoring to underserved communities that have too often been left behind.”
Improving Patient Engagement in Hard-to-Reach Populations
AI tools can also improve patient engagement by adapting to each user’s learning style, language preference and communication needs. In communities where health literacy is a challenge, platforms can deliver information in visual, audio or conversational formats to help users understand what actions to take and why they matter.
Some apps use chatbots to answer common questions, while others provide nudges and alerts based on behavior patterns. When paired with community health workers or support networks, these tools can extend their reach even further by combining technology with local trust. Language support, culturally appropriate coaching and mobile-friendly design are all critical to ensuring these tools are usable by the populations they’re intended to serve.
Cost, Accessibility and Scalability
Digital health tools are gaining ground in underserved areas in part because they are more affordable and scalable than traditional care models. In-person care depends on physical space, staffing and infrastructure, all of which can be difficult to sustain in low-resource settings. AI-powered platforms, by contrast, can support large numbers of users simultaneously. Cloud-based systems allow providers to monitor patients remotely and focus attention where it is needed most.
Some public health programs have begun to roll out these tools on a broader scale. Community clinics are using AI-based screening during routine visits to identify individuals at higher risk. Local governments are also exploring partnerships with health technology companies to expand care delivery in more efficient and sustainable ways.
Even so, the success of these efforts depends on access to basic digital resources. Reliable internet, affordable devices and clear onboarding support are all critical. Without digital equity, the full potential of these innovations cannot be reached.
A More Inclusive Model of Care
As AI becomes more integrated into healthcare, it offers a chance to create a system that meets people where they are, rather than expecting them to navigate complex or inaccessible structures. These tools will only make a difference if they are built around the realities of daily life and the needs of the people using them.
Partnerships with community organizations, local clinics and faith groups can help extend the reach of these platforms. When users are involved in shaping how tools are developed and delivered, the results tend to be more effective and more trusted. In communities that have faced long-standing health disparities, trust will remain a key factor in whether these innovations are truly embraced.
Technology That Reaches Everyone
AI-powered digital health tools are creating real opportunities to expand access to diabetes care in underserved communities. By offering personalized and timely support through remote channels, these technologies are helping more people manage their health in ways that are practical and sustainable.
This is not about replacing the doctor’s office. It is about extending its reach. When designed with equity and trust in mind, these tools can guide patients through complex care decisions, connect them to timely interventions and reduce barriers that have long limited access.
To truly unlock AI’s potential in healthcare, we need to keep the focus on inclusion, ease of use, and real-life outcomes that matter to people. This technology should support everyone, not just those already plugged into the system. When we get that right, AI can become a powerful force for better, more equitable chronic disease care.
