Diabetes Wellness Care: A Successful Employer-Endorsed Program for Employees

OBJECTIVE:A 12-month wellness program was provided for employees of a major employer in the Orlando area. METHODS:The program involved screening and measurement of baseline indices, educational sessions, telephonic support, quarterly laboratory monitoring, and provision of glucometers and test strips. RESULTS:For the 73 enrolled employees with prediabetes, serum hemoglobin A1c levels—mean (standard deviation)—decreased from 6.10% (0.53%) to 5.42% (0.51%) (P < 0.0001). For the 151 enrolled employees with diabetes, mean serum hemoglobin A1c levels—mean (standard deviation)—decreased from 8.03% (1.91%) to 7.48% (1.52%) (P < 0.0001). In the 12 months before, during, and after the program, 27, 15, and 27 diabetic employees required hospitalization, respectively. Health insurance per member per month claims costs for employees with diabetes rose only 1.2% over the prior 12 months, and self-reported presenteeism increased (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS:This employer-endorsed program achieved favorable outcomes for employees with prediabetes and diabetes.