In the final article of the Comagine Health series spotlighting the National Diabetes Prevention Program (National DPP) in observance of National Diabetes Month, we will focus on employers and how they can be a driving force in the implementation of the National DPP, preserving the health of their employees and saving money on their health costs at the same time.
More than 34 million American adults have type 2 diabetes, and another 88 million have prediabetes, a condition where blood glucose levels are higher than normal, but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes. These are growing concerns for America’s workforce, affecting the health and quality of life of millions of U.S. adults.
Type 2 diabetes costs employers and insurers $327 billion each year in lost productivity and medical expenses, according to the American Diabetes Association. The average medical costs for people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes is two times higher than those without type 2 diabetes:
- Covered Adult with Commercial Insurance with Diabetes Annual Medical Expenses (2015): $16,750
-
Covered Adult with Commercial Insurance without Diabetes Annual Medical Expenses (2015): $7,282
Type 2 diabetes can be delayed or prevented. Employers can play an active role by incorporating the National DPP into a wellness program or as a covered medical benefit. National DPP can cut a person’s risk of developing type 2 diabetes in half and reduce the onset of type 2 diabetes by 58% (71% in adults 60 and older).
Below are links to valuable resources and employer information. If you have questions or would like support in considering the lifestyle change program for your worksite, please contact us.
- How Type 2 Diabetes Affects Your Workforce
Learn why prediabetes and type 2 diabetes are a concern for employers and insurers. - Help Prevent Type 2 Diabetes
You can help your employees or members prevent type 2 diabetes. - Calculate Benefits and Costs
Offering CDC-recognized diabetes prevention lifestyle change programs has financial benefits, as well as health benefits. - Offering a Lifestyle Change Program as a Covered Benefit
Diabetes prevention lifestyle change programs can be an important piece of any health plan. - National DPP Coverage Toolkit
This online tool can help state Medicaid agencies, Medicaid managed care organizations, commercial health plans and employers understand the mechanics of offering the National DPP lifestyle change program as a covered benefit for their beneficiaries/members/employees at high risk for type 2 diabetes. - Join the Movement! Act Now!
Learn how you can get involved today. - Employer Testimonials
Many employers and insurers already offer CDC-recognized lifestyle change programs to prevent type 2 diabetes.