This week Voxiva, which powers the technology behind the federal government's Text4Baby program, announced the official launch of Care4Life, a mobile-based diabetes education and support program that leverages text messaging, a mobile app and a web portal. HealthInsight, a multi-specialty care delivery network in the Utah Beacon community is currently evaluating Care4Life.

"Since 99 percent of text messages are read and over 90% are read within three minutes, we know that this channel is effective in its ability to pace the delivery of education and reinforce desired behaviors on an ongoing basis," Voxiva CEO Justin Sims stated, "numerous studies have demonstrated the efficacy of mobile communications in improving diabetes self-management. We know this works and will make people healthier."

Theresa Garnero, APRN, BC-ADM, MSN, CDE, author of "Your First Year With Diabetes" developed the content used by Care4Life, which focuses on helping patients with Type 2 diabetes to better control their condition and adhere to their prescribed treatment plan. The offering helps users to create an electronic record of blood glucose readings, blood pressure, weight and exercise that they can view themselves and share with providers. Like Text4Baby, Care4Life is available in both English and Spanish.

"It is the daily reinforcement that is so unique about Care4Life," Garnero said in a statement. "Interactive text messaging, combined with an online log that is built one text message at a time, will reinforce the guidance provided by the patient's educator and care team."

As a promotion Voxiva is currently offering the program to health plans and providers at no charge until the end of the year.

In June 2011 Voxiva announced the launch of Text2Quit, a smoking cessation program similar to Text4Baby. Just a few months later Alere signed on as the exclusive distributor of Text2Quit.

For more on Care4Life, check out this presentation from HealthInsight about the program. (PDF)