System Dynamics-Based Digital Twin for Population Health- A Case of Diabetes Management in the UAE

Diabetes is rising as an epidemic in various parts of the world. The large-scale implementation of preventive measures for these chronic diseases is often ill-supported by evidence, as most are outdated. Digital Twins of the health systems can help simulate policies before implementing them. The Digital twins can also receive real-time data to help fine-tune these policies. This research provides a framework for developing digital twins in population health. The study further examines system dynamics as a tool for modelling in these digital twins. Further, this study uses a case of diabetes management in the UAE to illustrate the potential of these digital twins. The result of this study shows that the prevalence of diabetes will decrease in the UAE, but a significant number of people will be living with diabetes; hence, there is a call for capacity building for the management of diabetes in the future. The results of this study are especially helpful for population health professionals and policymakers.