Employee health insurance plans that include routine testing for diabetes can potentially save lives and, in the long term, reduce employers' health coverage costs.

A study of more than 500 people with diabetes or pre-diabetes by HealthMine found that many with either condition are not taking proper care of themselves and have significant misunderstandings about their disease.

The report notes that one-quarter of individuals with diabetes don’t know they have it. That should be reason enough for employers to include testing for diabetes in any health plan. Further, HealthMine said, 30 percent of those with pre-diabetes are unaware that the disease is reversible, and 58 percent of them have taken no action to minimize their chances of progressing to Type 2 diabetes.

Of those surveyed, just 37 percent have access to an employer sponsored wellness plan, where they would likely be diagnosed and their disease treatment plan would be monitored. Of those who are enrolled in a wellness plan, the report said, 91 percent participate in the program.

“Today, diabetes is in control of Americans,” said Bryce Williams, CEO and President of HealthMine. “We need to turn that around. Personal clinical engagement is the key to educating and motivating those who are sick to take action and take charge of their chronic disease. With better guidance from plan sponsors and real disease management, we can start to reign in the $322 billion annual bill for diabetes.”

Among other findings from the survey:

48 percent report they have lost work time in the past year and 52 percent say that their condition has lowered their productivity while at work;
59 percent of respondents are not in a healthy weight range and 30 percent are smokers, both of which can aggravate diabetes;
73 percent report difficulty coping with their illness and 66 percent feel their diabetes is not completely under control;
67 percent have had health complications, and 72 percent have at least one other chronic condition;
20 percent have chronic pain, cardiovascular disease or mental illness;
39 percent have had to go to the emergency room or to urgent care within the past year because of their chronic condition;
45 percent use mobile applications to track their diabetes/pre-diabetes.

Instant Insights /

Wellness plans could help turn tide against diabetes

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