Increasing Employer Support for Diabetes Prevention
Submission Date: September 2014
Entry Type: Case Study
State/Territory Submitted on the Behalf of: Kentucky
States/Territories Involved: Kentucky
Domain Addressed:Environmental Approaches
Public Health Issue:In Kentucky, 233,000 adults have been diagnosed with prediabetes. Without lifestyle changes to improve their health, 15 to 30% of people with prediabetes will develop type 2 diabetes within five years.
Ninty-six of Kentucky’s 120 counties had rates of diagnosed diabetes at 11.2% or above, ranking them in the top 20% in the nation (2010).
The Diabetes Prevention Program research study showed that making modest behavior changes helped participants lose 5 – 7% of their body weight and reduced the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 58% in people with prediabetes.
The cost of participating in the National Diabetes Prevention Program’s (National DPP) evidence-based lifestyle change program is a barrier to many individuals with prediabetes. State health departments can partner with organizations such as business coalitions or other employer groups to increase support for the lifestyle change program as a covered health benefit.
Project Objectives:To work collaboratively with the Kentucky Department for Public Health Worksite Wellness lead, state and/or local Chambers of Commerce, and coalitions such as the Kentuckiana Health Collaborative, to provide at least 2 approaches to increase support for the evidence-based lifestyle change program as a covered health benefit by insurance providers and companies that are self-insured.
Program Action:To identify businesses interested in diabetes pre
Program Areas:Diabetes
State Contact Information:
KY