Addressing the diabetes crisis in the U.S. has become a major focus of health care reform and those dedicated to combatting the cost of the disease — both in terms of human suffering and dollars. Yet a study of employees who have health coverage through a company plan finds that less than one in five know what their blood sugar level is.
Healthmine surveyed 561 plan members, asking them what they knew about key biometric measurements. The results revealed a shocking lack of knowledge about metrics frequently related to chronic disorders, the costliest disease segment.
"While 83 percent of people say they have easy or somewhat easy access to their health information, 68 percent don't know their biometric measurements — key indicators of risk for chronic preventable conditions," Healthmine reported. "That number is in stark contrast to the 81 percent of consumers who want to know their biometrics yearly or every six months. It means that U.S. consumers have a failing grade when it comes to knowing their key health facts."
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According to survey data, here's how many of the respondents knew about:
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Blood sugar level: 17 percent
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Cholesterol level: 19 percent
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Body Mass Index: 21 percent
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Blood pressure: 32 percent
"If Americans don't know their biometrics, they are flying blind when it comes to managing their health and wellness," said Bryce Williams, CEO and president of HealthMine. "Chronic conditions such as heart disease and diabetes are among the most common, costly, and preventable of all health problems. With out-of-pocket costs rising, it's no surprise that three out of four workers want guidelines and incentives from their employers to help them manage their health. Employers who deliver this support with personal clinical engagement can help bridge the gap for consumers and lower costs."
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Dan Cook
Dan Cook is a journalist and communications consultant based in Portland, OR. During his journalism career he has been a reporter and editor for a variety of media companies, including American Lawyer Media, BusinessWeek, Newhouse Newspapers, Knight-Ridder, Time Inc., and Reuters. He specializes in health care and insurance related coverage for BenefitsPRO.
