Help Your Employees Prevent and Better Manage Diabetes
Blue Daily
| 3 min read
Diabetes is a major health concern in the United States. One in 10 adults have diabetes and 96 million Americans, or more than one in three, have prediabetes.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), medical costs for people with diabetes are double the costs for those without. In fact, diabetes is the most expensive chronic condition, with health care costs and lost work and wages totaling $413 billion a year.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network is partnered with Teladoc Health® to provide a carefully curated set of Condition Management Solutions that address a broad range of chronic conditions related to diabetes. Teladoc Health® solutions offer a holistic approach to preventing or managing diabetes, hypertension and weight. Employees also receive support for other coexisting conditions like high cholesterol and behavioral health care.
Managing diabetes with innovative solutions
A chronic condition, diabetes occurs when the body has difficulty turning food into energy. If left untreated, diabetes can lead to heart disease, kidney failure, blindness and other complications.
Treating and managing diabetes through medication, monitoring and living a healthy lifestyle is critical to staying healthy. The Teladoc Health® Diabetes Management program provides personalized and supportive care for people with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. The program also helps members reduce the risk of complications and manage related conditions. Among people with diabetes:
- 85% have weight challenges
- 69% have high blood pressure
- 44% have high cholesterol
- 30% have anxiety and depression
Ellina Raupp, digital health solutions manager, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, said managing diabetes isn’t just about reacting to high or low readings. It’s about understanding what drives them.
“Through Teladoc’s program, members receive real-time feedback and one-on-one support that empower them to make confident choices each day and prevent future complications,” she said.
By enrolling in the program, a member will receive:
- A cellular-connected meter for real-time glucose readings and activity tracking.
- Immediate outreach with an out-of-range blood glucose reading.
- Ability to order unlimited testing strips and lancets at no out-of-pocket cost.
- Health and lifestyle coaching by certified specialists.
Preventing diabetes
Prediabetes occurs when blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be classified as Type 2 diabetes. Left untreated, prediabetes can eventually lead to a diabetes diagnosis.
It’s important to also note that chronic conditions often don’t exist in isolation. In fact:
- 36% of people living with prediabetes also deal with hypertension.
- 44% experience dyslipidemia.
- More than 30% of people with diabetes experience depression, anxiety and distress.
“We know that small lifestyle changes made early can have a powerful impact in preventing diabetes. By combining technology with human connection, our Teladoc diabetes prevention program is designed to help members identify risks sooner, stay motivated and build healthier habits,” Raupp said.
Teladoc Health® offers a person-centered approach to diabetes prevention and support for those conditions as well. This Teladoc Health program is recognized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It includes self-guided, in-app lessons and live coaching to help members achieve continuous motivation and results.
By enrolling in the prevention program, a member will receive:
- A cellular-connected scale to enable seamless weigh-ins
- Food and activity tracking
- Coaching to help your employees understand the impact of their lifestyle habits
Teladoc Health® Condition Management Solutions are included in fully insured medical products and available as a buy-up to self-funded employer groups with an option to choose what works best for your employees’ health care needs.
Are you interested in offering diabetes prevention and diabetes management programs to your employees? Contact your Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan sales representative or agent.
Photo credit: Tassii
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