Employers play an important role in diabetes prevention

“Over 86 million US adults- more than 1 in 3 - have prediabetes. A person with prediabetes has a blood sugar level higher than normal, but not high enough for a diagnosis of diabetes. Without lifestyle changes to improve their health, 15% to 30% of people with prediabetes will develop type 2 diabetes within five years.

Employers play an important role in the prevention of type 2 diabetes by offering the Diabetes Prevention Program as a covered health benefit to their employees. To promote prediabetes awareness and help prevent type 2 diabetes, employers can:

• Encourage employees to call 1-800-DIABETES to find a Diabetes Prevention Program in their area
• Use pre-existing communication channels to educate employees about their risk for prediabetes and the Diabetes Prevention Program
• Negotiate with their health plan to include the Diabetes Prevention Program as a covered health benefit

For more information about adding the Diabetes Prevention Program as a covered health benefit, contact Becky DiOrio becky.diorio@state.co.us.” [Source: COPrevent]