Diabetes Prevention & Management in the Workplace

Diabetes is not only a significant individual health concern — it’s also an issue that affects employers, workplaces, productivity and costs. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the lifestyle-change program from the National Diabetes Prevention Program (National DPP) “can cut a person’s risk of getting type 2 diabetes in half.” CDC+1 For organizations, engaging in prevention and management of diabetes among employees is a win-win: it supports employee wellbeing and helps control healthcare and productivity costs.

Why it matters: The workplace impact

• One in three U.S. adults has prediabetes; without intervention many will progress to type 2 diabetes.

• The CDC estimates that a person diagnosed with diabetes incurs on average about $19,700 annually in medical expenses — about 2.6 times that of a person without diabetes.

• For employers, diabetes and prediabetes translate into increased medical claims, reduced productivity, more sick days, and higher disability risk.

• Worksite interventions have shown promise: a review found that workplace‐based diabetes prevention programs (focusing on lifestyle change, diet, activity) are effective.

Creating a workplace environment that supports diabetes prevention and effective management is paramount for both employee health and the organization’s wellbeing.

Key Strategies for Prevention & Management at Work

Here are the best-practice strategies, tailored for a workplace context.

1. Screening & Risk Identification

• Offer risk assessments for prediabetes/diabetes (for example via health fairs or online health portals).

• The National DPP recommends screening and identifying those at high risk so early intervention is possible.

• Make sure interventions are accessible (consider shift workers, remote workers, etc.).

2. Promote Evidence-Based Lifestyle Change Programs

• The National DPP lifestyle change program is an evidence-based curriculum designed to help high-risk adults adopt healthier habits (nutrition, physical activity, behavioral support).

• For example, one umbrella review found that multicomponent workplace interventions (education + diet + activity) were more effective than single‐component ones.

• Employers should consider offering or covering such programs as a benefit.

3. Healthy Food & Physical Activity Environment

• Make healthy choices easy: vending machines with more water, fruits, whole grains; cafeteria menus offering balanced meals.

• Encourage regular physical activity: standing or walking breaks, “move more” challenges, onsite or partnered fitness programs.

• Recognize the role of weight management, diet, and physical activity in reducing risk of type 2 diabetes.

4. Flexible Scheduling & Supportive Policies

• Provide flexibility for healthcare visits, diabetes education, self-management (for employees with diabetes) or prevention classes (for those at risk).

• Destigmatize diabetes: create a culture where employees feel safe to disclose risk, participate in programs, and receive support.

5. Management & Care Support for Employees with Diabetes

• For those already diagnosed: provide diabetes self‐management education and support, regular screening (A1C, foot, eye, kidney).

• Integrate care coordination (e.g., health coaches, nurse-educators) to help employees manage blood sugar, lifestyle, medications, and complications.

6. Monitoring, Incentives & Outcomes

• Track participation in prevention programs, biometric outcomes (weight loss, A1C reductions), attendance rates.

• Use incentives to drive participation (e.g., wellness credits, premium reductions, extra time off).

• Celebrate successes and communicate them to all employees to build momentum.

Implementation Checklist

Here’s a practical checklist your wellness / HR team can follow:

1. Assess current state

   • Are there employees identified with prediabetes or diabetes?

   • What current programs exist (health screenings, wellness challenges, nutrition options)?

   • What policies support flexible scheduling and physical activity?

2. Select a prevention program

   • Choose a certified National DPP program (in-person or virtual).

   • Decide whether the company will cover cost, provide incentives, or both.

3. Design the environment

   • Improve cafeteria/food options.

   • Create walking paths or encourage “active breaks”.

   • Remove sugary drink options, highlight water stations.

4. Communication & Culture

   • Launch awareness campaign: “Know your risk”, “Take the 1-minute prediabetes test”.

   • Leadership buy-in: senior leaders share stories or lead by example.

   • Peer support: cohort groups, lunches that enable activity, etc.

5. Management support

   • Provide training for managers so they understand the importance of the programs.

   • Build in time for employees to attend sessions or participate in activity breaks.

6. Measure & Incentivize

   • Set targets for participation and outcomes (e.g., 5–7% weight loss among participants).

   • Use metrics: engagement rate, weight loss, conversion to program graduates, A1C improvement.

   • Offer incentives tied to completion or results.

7. Feedback & Continuous Improvement

   • Gather feedback from participants: what helped, what blocked engagement.

   • Adjust program timing, delivery method (in-person vs. virtual), incentives as needed.

   • Report back outcomes to the leadership team and the wider workforce.

Evidence & Outcomes: The Proof is There

• A systematic review found that workplace interventions focusing on diet, physical activity and education were effective at reducing diabetes risk indicators (e.g., weight, BMI, fasting glucose) in worksite settings. PMC

• An earlier review of 22 studies found “consistently positive” results for workplace interventions in diabetes prevention or management (12–24-week programs during lunch hours or on-site). PubMed

• The National DPP states that its lifestyle change program can reduce risk of type 2 diabetes by 58% in high-risk adults. professional.diabetes.org+2CDC+2

• Employers implementing diabetes prevention and management programs have reported improved productivity, lower healthcare costs, and better employee engagement. US-Rx Care+1

For AdvantageHealth, focusing on diabetes prevention and management in the workplace is both a smart health and business strategy. By implementing evidence-based programs, creating a healthy environment, and supporting employees at risk or living with diabetes, we can achieve healthier employees, improved well-being, and cost savings.

As you plan your wellness calendar and benefits strategy, consider building or enhancing a diabetes-focused initiative this year. From screening to lifestyle change to ongoing management support — every step makes a difference.

Let’s commit to helping our workforce stay healthy, engaged, and productive.

Ready to get started? Consider these actions:

• Host a “Know Your Risk” screening event.

• Launch a cohort of the National DPP lifestyle change program for employees at risk.

• Review your food and beverage options and create an “active break” challenge.

• Ask your benefits team to review coverage for diabetes self-management education for employees with diabetes.

For additional resources or support building your program, AdvantageHealth is here to help.

References

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Information for Employers and Insurers: National DPP. CDC

• Tsai SA et al., “Moving Diabetes Prevention Programs to the Workplace…” (2024). CDC

• Wnuk K et al., “Workplace Interventions for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus…” (2023). PMC

• Brown SA et al., “Effectiveness of workplace diabetes prevention programs.” (2018). PubMed

• UPMC Health Plan Blog: “Diabetes Prevention | Employer Blog.”

Schedule a free consultation with Kristine Keykal, CEO and Co-Owner to review your employee wellness program:

Email Kristine at kkeykal@advantagehealth.com to get started or call 612.823.4470 (select option “1”).

Let Kristine Keykal, M.P.H, co-founder of AdvantageHealth with over 25 years of experience, consult with you on your employee wellness program.

Since 2001, Minnesota-based AdvantageHealth has been delivering award-winning employee wellbeing programs and fitness center design & management throughout the U.S.