Innovative Program Offers People with Diabetes the Power to Improve Their Own Health
Targeted News Service |
Under a unique collaboration, the
Today, nearly 26 million Americans have diabetes, a chronic condition that is disproportionately expensive, especially when there are complications. In 2002, the per-capita cost of health care for a person with diabetes was
While diabetes support programs are not new, the collaboration between NCOA, WellPoint,
"Managing diabetes can be a daunting task, and most people receive little or no education," said
The NCOA-WellPoint collaboration creates a new model where providers, community organizations, and insurance companies work together to give people with diabetes the tools they need to better manage their condition. Originally developed and tested at
The six-week workshop is taught by trained peer leaders, many of whom have diabetes themselves and easily accessible online or through an in-person workshop. Together, workshop participants learn about their condition and set realistic and measurable goals to improve health. They discover tips and tools to help them monitor their blood sugar, food, medication, and exercise; create and track a weekly action plan; discuss problems they're facing; and celebrate successes. All information provided meets guidelines from the
Under the collaboration, both in-person and online workshops are available to those with type 2 diabetes. OASIS is conducting in-person workshops in
"There are many great diabetes programs out there in individual communities, but we have yet to find a way to scale a successful community-based diabetes management program that health insurers can offer affordably to their members," said
Workshop participants may also be able to participate in a research study of the pilot program, which will determine if participants see real improvement in their health. Measurements of success will be monitored by lab tests of HbA1c results, self-reported questionnaires based on how members feel, and/or claims data that can track members' use of health care services and their costs.
"It is possible for some people to reverse type 2 diabetes, or improve their quality of life through changes in diet, exercise and lifestyle," said Dr.
The results may help health plans determine if they should offer the program as a standard benefit.
"We are partners in this project because it is figuring out how to open the door for community-based organizations to be formally contracted and reimbursed by health plans to provide effective diabetes education to patients--especially heavily affected seniors--in new ways," said
Persons with type 2 diabetes that are interested in signing up for an online workshop can do so by visiting www.selfmanage.org. To sign up for an in-person workshop or for general inquiries, call 866.553.1282.
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