11 hours Ago
For many, healthy habits begin with family. Their guidance continues to be a key differentiator between Western New Yorkers living vibrant lives and those struggling. Jennifer Johengen-Vogel is senior vice president, clinical value management & improvement, for Buffalo-based Independent Health.
Diabetes is one of the top 10 leading causes of death in the United States, and more than 11% of New York adults suffers from it. These numbers are mirrored across our region; and along with those suffering from Type 1 or 2 variants, one in three people have pre-diabetes — and in many cases, are unaware of their condition. This is why efforts made during November’s Diabetes Awareness Month initiatives are important.
Recently, our team at Independent Health devised a report concerning some of the biggest challenges in the health care industry — and addressing diabetes is one of them. What we’ve found is that, by educating people on preventive measures, addressing symptoms, and supporting those recently diagnosed, inroads can be made against a condition that’s on the rise and costing us plenty. Over the past year, Independent Health members with pre-diabetes, Type 1, and Type 2 have increased, with pre-diabetes diagnoses up 31% from its previous measurement.
These conditions can lead to heart and kidney disease, as well as premature death and all can be preventable with diet, exercise, and early treatment. Combine this with national figures of $16,752 per diabetes patient and over $306 billion in direct medical costs attributed to the disease annually, and it’s too significant to ignore. We’ve taken a multipronged approach involving engagement with providers, members, pharmacies, employers, and community groups, taking big steps to address the onset and ongoing treatment of diabetes.
This has enabled us to become a national leader in diabetes management. Highlights of our results include fewer inpatient and outpatient medical visits; better controlled blood glucose levels for patients; lower pharmacy costs for members treating their diabetes; and a 25% reduction in the number of patients’ progression from prediabetes to diabetes. We’ve also worked with our Independent Health Foundation to help families make healthier decisions.
The best solution to diabetes is to stop it before it starts. Jennifer Johengen-Vogel is senior vice president, clinical value management and improvement, for Buffalo-based Independent Health. Catch the latest in Opinion Get opinion pieces, letters and editorials sent directly to your inbox weekly!.
