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Cutting the Costs of Type 2 Diabetes

Diabetes. Every day there is new information that comes out about this disease. We're here to help plan members navigate their way to better health - and possibly reverse this disease in its early stages. First, let's take a deeper dive into what type 2 diabetes is.

What is type 2 diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that impacts the way the body processes blood sugar. What makes it different than type 1 is that type 2 is mainly lifestyle-related and develops over time. With changes in health habits, it can be prevented and sometimes reversible to the point where an individual can manage their condition without medication.

More than one in three American adults have prediabetes, of which 80% don't even know they have it.

What causes type 2 diabetes?

Family history, obesity, physical inactivity, and insulin resistance can increase a person's risk for developing type 2 diabetes.

Without any changes or treatment, a person with prediabetes can develop type 2 within five years.

One in ten Americans have a form of diabetes.

Source: https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/type2.html

Type 2 mostly develops in people 45 and over, but more children, teens, and young adults are developing it.

How type 2 impacts the workplace

Type 2 diabetes is estimated to cost U.S. employers $327 billion a year for care, absenteeism and lost productivity.

Diabetes isn't easy on out-of-pocket costs. People diagnosed with diabetes can rack up on average $16,750 annually in medical expenses.

Not only is type 2 diabetes costly in itself, but it puts individuals at risk for other serious and pricey health problems like heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, as well as loss of toes, feet or legs.

Type 2 doesn't have to be certain

Fortunately, prediabetes can be reversed, and type 2 diabetes can be delayed and even prevented.

When started early, regular annual screenings along with healthy lifestyle changes can help prevent type 2 diabetes before it has a chance to progress.

Preventive care

Preventive care includes annual checkups, vaccinations, counseling and screenings, to detect and prevent illnesses and diseases.

Receiving recommended preventive care can also help reduce overall medical expenses. Catching type 2 diabetes in its early stages and receiving treatment can help prevent even more invasive and expensive treatments in the future.

Taking preventive steps to mitigate risk factors for type 2 will not only help employees stay healthier, but it will also help businesses save on health care costs.

To learn more about preventive care, check out this article: What Is Preventive Care and Do Health Plans Cover the Cost?

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Wellness programs can help employees create healthy habits

According to the CDC, making healthy lifestyle changes can stop type 2 diabetes in its tracks, such as:

  • Losing weight.
  • Eating healthy food.
  • Being active.

Vitality® is a wellness program that works to promote a healthy lifestyle to its members and is available with most Allstate Benefits plans. In addition to encouraging members to eat well and exercise, it also offers access to an online portal with resources to positively impact their mental, social, and financial health.

Vitality has proven results with engaged members:

  • 19% lower claims.
  • 30% reduction in hospital admissions.
  • 35% lower turnover rates.

How you can help your employees prevent type 2

Approximately 60% of adults work. This gives employers a unique opportunity to promote health and wellness in the workplace.

By choosing a group health plan through Allstate Benefits, employers can take a step in the right direction to keep their employees happy and healthy.

We offer high-quality group health benefit plans that make receiving health care simple and accessible.

One phone call is all it takes to get started. Contact an Allstate Benefits – Group Health sales consultant today.

The Self-Funded Program through Allstate Benefits provides tools for employers owning small to mid-sized businesses to establish a self-funded health benefit plan for their employees. The benefit plan is established by the employer and is not an insurance product. Allstate Benefits is a marketing name for: Integon National Insurance Company in CT, NY and VT; Integon Indemnity Corporation in FL; and National Health Insurance Company in CO, WA and all other states where offered. For employers in the Allstate Benefits Self-Funded Program, stop loss insurance is underwritten by these insurance companies in the noted states.

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