- Key insight: Learn how Twin Health's AI "metabolic twin" care can reverse medication dependence.
- Expert quote: "Success drove GuideStone adoption for members managing metabolic conditions," says Richard Lee, GuideStone.
- Supporting data: 85% eliminated GLP‑1s; 46% eliminated insulin in Cleveland Clinic study.
Source: Bullets generated by AI with editorial review
In January 2023 at age 42, Texas pastor Lyle Wallace was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, a condition that runs on both sides of his family. He immediately pictured his father, who is reliant on five shots of insulin a day, and how limiting that would be as an active leader and father of four. When glucose medication failed to improve his condition, he turned to one of his
Following his diagnosis, Wallace was put on Metformin, a medication that helps control the amount of glucose in the bloodstream, but his A1C still went from 7.2 to 8 — a level that carries the risk of
Twin Health, a metabolic health program offered through his insurance provider, GuideStone, as a
"I took the mentality of, if I'm going to do this, I'm going to do it right," Wallace says. "I made sure I followed the program and did what the coaches told me, and within 90 days, when I had my checkup, my A1C had dropped to around 5.1. When I started the program in April, I weighed about 285; by October, I was down to 215."
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A benefit with long-term impacts
Twin Health's program involves setting up an AI "metabolic twin" using a patient's health information, and tracking information through bloodwork, food logs and fitness wearables. This allows it to make personalized micro-action recommendations throughout the day that help people make gradual, permanent changes. For example, when Wallace's blood sugar went up slightly, the app might recommend a 10-minute walk. It also includes access to health coaches and educational resources. Wallace combined a daily walking routine with dietary changes, learning to substitute some of his favorite foods for healthier alternatives. He has also seen a reduction in back and knee pain.
"It changed my way of life for good," he says. "It gave me the right tools and education, the accountability of checking boxes, constant follow-up and support. It is really encouraging to get on a chat with a coach, and they're like, 'Look at these results — you're heading in the right direction. Tweak this, tweak that.' And when you needed questions answered, they were right there."
In a study by the Cleveland Clinic, 85% of Twin Health users eliminated the use of GLP-1s and 46% eliminated insulin. Such medications used to manage diabetes cost employers billions every year. The success of its approach is what made it appealing for GuideStone members managing prediabetes, diabetes and weight conditions, says Richard Lee, the insurance provider's director of product strategy and development. While attending a convention where GuideStone was present, Wallace made it a point to thank them for the offering.
"I walked over to the booth and said, 'Getting Twin Health was the best decision y'all ever made.' And the guy told me,'You know, I've heard that from several people today.'"
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Improved mental wellness and performance
Along with improved physical wellness, Wallace's journey has had a positive effect on his mental health. He notes that the original diagnosis added a lot of stress to his already busy life, but his new routine of walking — time he uses to think, meditate and pray — and his overall success in getting his health right, have put time back in his day and his mind in a better place, he says. He is also enjoying being more present and active with his children and sharing his experience with members of his congregation.
"There are a lot of people in our church who have watched [my transition], and I've been able to refer them to Twin Health," he says. "I have a church member who just found out he's a diabetic, and now I've had an opportunity to not only minister to him spiritually, but also to come alongside and say, 'Hey, let me share some things that I've learned.'"
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The importance of improved health
For employers, investing in benefits that help employees avoid, cut down or cut out medication usage and improve their overall health can be a tremendous cost saver. For employees like Wallace, it means the opportunity to take charge of their future and live longer, happier lives.
"It's the difference between survival and freedom," he says. "I started to realize, especially after that first drop to 5.1 A1C, I'm going to be off this medication. I don't have to worry about insulin and needles. Yes, there is discipline that's going to come with it, but it's empowering."
