According to the American Diabetes Association, diabetes is growing at an alarming rate in the U.S. Currently, over 34 million people nationwide have diabetes. This includes 1,140,000 people in Pennsylvania alone (approximately 11 percent of the state population).1
Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the U.S. and has a greater impact on total health than heart disease, substance abuse, and COPD.2
In addition to everyday activities, people living with diabetes — and their employers — feel the effect on their careers. People with diabetes miss an average of six extra work days per year.2
Millennials, who will soon be the largest generational segment of the workforce, are especially at risk.
Empower your employees to improve their diabetes management
However, there is good news. Diabetes is highly manageable and with some moderate lifestyle changes, many of its complications can be prevented.
- Say hello to Health Coaches: AmeriHealth Administrators offers 24/7 access to Registered Nurse Health Coaches. Our Health Coaches can help employees better understand and manage everything from their diagnosis and health concerns to lifestyle choices and self-care skills for complex conditions like diabetes.
- Take advantage of nutrition counseling: Employees have the option of seeing an in-network registered dietitian3 or a nutrition counselor via HUSK Nutrition, available through the HUSK Marketplace, to access personalized virtual nutrition counseling.4
- Go big on breaks: Provide employees a space (where possible) and encourage breaks, so they can monitor their blood sugar and take insulin injections.
Virtual care from Teladoc Health
Members also have virtual care benefits through AmeriHealth Administrators that can help them keep up with their diabetes management and preventive care practices. In addition to the option to meet with their primary physician virtually, Teladoc Health offers a Diabetes Management solution which makes it convenient for people managing diabetes to get the information and tools they need without an office visit.
Please share this flyer with your employees, and encourage them to register to get started.
AmeriHealth Administrators is proud to celebrate Native American Heritage Month this November and continue our longstanding commitment as the largest provider of health plan administration solutions to Tribal nations in the country.
Healthy You! is a monthly newsletter of reliable health information designed to educate, engage, and enlighten. Featuring information on trending topics along with nutritious recipes, Healthy You! can be used to encourage better health among your fellow employees and their families. View the current issue.
This content was originally published in the AmeriHealth Administrators Insider email newsletter.
1 Statistics About Diabetes.
2 Diabetes Costs U.S. Economy Estimated $266B Annually.
3 Not all members have nutrition counseling visits as part of their benefits plans. Please contact Customer Service or your benefits administrator to determine if this benefit applies to your coverage. Visit limits do not apply to services that are prescribed for mental health care and serious mental illness health care or treatment of alcohol or drug abuse and dependency.
4 Members should review their health plan benefits to confirm their nutrition counseling coverage and eligibility.