Living with a long-term health condition such as diabetes is never easy, and it requires a mindful healthcare journey. According to the National Diabetes Statistics Report 2022[1] released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 130 million adults are living with diabetes or prediabetes in the United States. Key findings from the report further reveal that diabetes is more prevalent among minorities and low-income groups. With healthcare costs expected to rise by 6% in 2023, it's imperative for employers to help their employees manage diabetes and other chronic health conditions.[2] 

In recognition of Diabetes Awareness Month, we are putting a spotlight on all of Accolade’s ecosystem resources and partners that can help your organization and employees manage diabetes with confidence. 

Results you can see — how one client reversed the diabetes trend

Accolade, in partnership with Virta Health, provides treatment that safely and sustainably reverses type 2 diabetes without medications or surgery. This program provides remote monitoring and behavioral coaching to help users control blood sugar and reduce adverse events. Read this case study to see how our solutions have positively impacted member health for one Accolade customer. 

Equitable diabetes care

Diabetes is also associated with other chronic conditions. For instance, an analysis in The New England Journal of Medicine reports that the chances of chronic kidney disease among adults with diabetes is high, particularly in minority communities.[3] At Accolade, health equity is a central pillar of everything we do as an organization. It’s reflected in our engagement model, and in the results we deliver for our customers – including diabetes care.  

We are committed to providing equitable and accessible care to people of all backgrounds and demographics. We understand that chronic conditions such as diabetes require a long-term commitment to healthy living. So we ensure everyone has access to an excellent healthcare experience. 

Employers can play a key role in helping reduce potential healthcare inequities. Delivering the right healthcare benefits can help improve the way your employees access healthcare, their experiences with the system and their health outcomes.   

Understanding diabetes

Diabetes is a complex condition that has multiple forms, each with their own symptoms and differences. Getting a better understanding of the different common types of diabetes – type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes – and how they impact individuals can help employers and HR teams more effectively support people on their team who are living with diabetes.  

Chronic condition care and wellness strategies

With some companies shifting to a hybrid working model, employees look to employers to develop chronic care and wellness strategies that adapt to evolving workplace needs. This is even more important when it comes to metabolic diseases like diabetes which require patients to regularly monitor their blood glucose levels — even while at work. This is critical for their health and allows them to be at their productive best. Watch this webinar to understand how Accolade provides comprehensive strategies for chronic care and wellness in the workplace so employers can reduce the return-to-work gap. 

Managing long-term health conditions can be expensive

The lifestyle changes that are required to manage chronic conditions like diabetes are not easy. Increased physical activity, meal planning and regular health checkups are all part of diabetes treatment. Multiple health conditions such as high blood pressure or kidney disease can be a result of diabetes. It is no surprise then that in such cases medical expenses quickly add up. Accolade has proved especially helpful for chronically ill members managing multiple health conditions. Accolade’s knowledgeable and empathetic care teams are available every day of the year to support your people, ensuring reduced medical spending costs for chronically ill members while improving health outcomes.  

Cut down on prescription-related costs

The medications, equipment and supplies required as a part of diabetes management can be costly and difficult to access. At Accolade, we want to make it easier for people to access, afford and understand their prescriptions. Medication Integrated Care helps people access more affordable medications by utilizing Rx Savings Solutions’ sophisticated prescription claims analytics and consultations with a pharmacist-led care team, ensuring members get the right medications for their healthcare needs at the lowest cost to both themselves and their employers. 

Mental health implications of managing diabetes

The impacts of diabetes aren’t only physical, and its effects on mental health can often be overlooked. People with diabetes can experience depression and anxiety that can come with managing a long-term and lifestyle altering health condition. Our integrated virtual primary and mental healthcare solution — Accolade Care — takes a holistic approach to healthcare that focuses on whole person care and not just symptoms. Accolade understands each member’s individual needs and is dedicated to improving both their physical and mental healthcare experience. Watch this short video to learn more about how Accolade Care can help your people in their healthcare journey. 

To learn more about our solutions and how we can help your people successfully manage diabetes and other long-term health conditions, contact us today. 

[1] https://nationaldppcsc.cdc.gov/s/article/CDC-2022-National-Diabetes-Statistics-Report 

[2] US employers expect big increases in healthcare costs (fiercehealthcare.com)

[3] https://www.axios.com/2022/10/13/minority-patients-diabetes-advance-kidney-disease