Employer-sponsored health centers are uniquely positioned to help employees at risk for Type 2 diabetes get ahead of the condition before it becomes a serious concern. Over 38 million children and adults in the U.S. have diabetes — that’s 1 in 10 Americans (American Diabetes Association, 2024). Managing diabetes costs an average of $19,736 per person annually, with $12,022 attributed directly to diabetes care (National Library of Medicine, 2024). By investing diabetes prevention and management through health centers, employers can help their teams live healthier lives and keep these costs in check.
So, what does an effective health center program look like? Here are a few ways employer-sponsored health centers can make a big difference.
1. Health Coaching & Behavioral Support
One-on-one health coaching is an effective way to support employees through personalized health assessments, goal-setting, and regular follow-ups. Health coaches can provide guidance on lifestyle changes to prevent the onset of diabetes. Additionally, mental health counseling can address the stress that contributes to poor health behaviors. By incorporating mental health counseling and cognitive-behavioral strategies, health centers can provide the extra support needed to help employees make healthier choices.
2. Nutrition Counseling
Proper nutrition is key in preventing and managing diabetes, but understanding what to eat and how to meal plan can be overwhelming. Health centers can step in with nutrition counseling and meal planning to equip employees with the knowledge and skills to maintain a healthy diet. Personalized guidance can help employees make sustainable changes that keep their blood sugar levels under control.
3. Incentivized Wellness Programs
Who doesn’t love a little motivation? That’s where wellness programs come in. More than half of companies today use incentives to encourage employees to take part in health programs, and it’s easy to see why (KFF, 2022). Incentives like fitness challenges, milestone rewards, and even gym access make it fun and rewarding for employees to engage in healthier behaviors. For those at risk of Type 2 diabetes, these programs can be a powerful nudge toward staying active, keeping weight in check, and maintaining healthy blood sugar levels.
4. Comprehensive Health Screenings
Routine health screenings are essential for early detection and management. 97.6 million Americans have prediabetes and are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes—and 81% of them don’t know they have it (American Diabetes Association, 2024). Offering regular blood sugar checks, blood pressure monitoring, and cholesterol screenings can identify employees at risk, allowing for early intervention. Convenient access to these screenings through health centers makes it easier for employees to stay on top of their health.
5. Creating a Supportive Environment
By promoting a culture of health and wellness, employers demonstrate their commitment to employee well-being and create a place where employees feel valued. With 73% of job seekers indicating they would not consider working for a company that doesn’t invest in employee health, creating a supportive environment is not just beneficial—it’s a competitive advantage (The Harris Poll, 2023).
As diabetes diagnoses continue to rise – with a new case diagnosed every 26 seconds in the U.S. — employer-sponsored health centers are vital in preventing and managing Type 2 diabetes in the workplace (American Diabetes Association, 2024). By offering comprehensive resources such as health coaching, nutrition counseling, and wellness programs, employers can help employees make meaningful changes that improve their health and overall quality of life.
References
American Diabetes Association. (2024). The Staggering Costs of Diabetes. https://diabetes.org/sites/default/files/2024-09/ADA_2024_StaggeringCostsOfDiabetes.pdf
KFF. (2022, October 27). 2022 Employer Health Benefits Survey. https://www.kff.org/report-section/ehbs-2022-summary-of-findings/
National Library of Medicine. (2024, January 1). Economic Costs of Diabetes in the U.S. in 2022. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37909353/
The Harris Poll. (2023, March 30). Employees Deeply Value Health and Well-Being, Finds IWBI’s 2023 State of Workforce Well-Being Poll. https://theharrispoll.com/briefs/iwbis-2023-state-of-workforce-well-being-poll/