Why health coaching belongs in diabetes prevention
At Labcorp, we believe chronic diseases like diabetes can be prevented by efficient and comprehensive health coaching.
That’s why we’re passionate about guiding employees on the path toward their best life. Whether the goal is creating general well-being or managing preexisting conditions, we meet employees where they are and help them meet their overall health and wellness goals.
When the 2022 National Diabetes Statistics Report was released by the CDC, it became clear that the need for health coaching to prevent and manage chronic illnesses—like Type 2 diabetes—is greater than ever.
By the numbers
An estimated 96 million Americans have prediabetes and 37 million have been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. Over 8.5 million adults may have Type 2 diabetes but are undiagnosed. The average person with diabetes spends 2.3 times more on medical costs, totaling around $16,750 annually.
Health coaching can help make a difference
Fortunately, Type 2 diabetes can be prevented and managed with the right care and support, including support from employers. Even if an employee has been diagnosed with prediabetes, it’s not too late. Having a health coach on their care team can ensure that they receive the guidance and motivation that they need to create an effective plan for changing health behaviors.
More and more healthcare providers and employers are recognizing the value of adding a health coach to their diabetes care teams. One Labcorp health coaching participant shared, “The help and information I got was above and beyond any I'd had before as the coach shared with me strategies on what type of foods to eat and sent me links to websites that explained exactly what to eat and how and why it works.”
In one study, people with diabetes who worked with a health coach for six months were able to improve their hemoglobin A1c (HgA1c), a measure of blood sugar control, and an improvement of their nutrition.
Building the healthy habits that support diabetes control won’t happen overnight, but by providing support to your employees now, you can save money and help shape the life your employees want to live in the future.
Contact our employer services team to learn more about our health coaching services for you and your team.