Given the large public health burden of diabetes, improving care for employees with diabetes is an appropriate component to include in workplace wellness and safety programs. The Community Preventive Services Task Force recommends that a comprehensive strategy should aim to improve glycemic control, blood pressure, and lipid concentrations; decrease complications and premature death; and improve quality of life. Unfortunately, there is no “best” or one-size-fit-all workplace diabetes education program; however, programs that are culturally and age-appropriate and incorporate behavioral and psychosocial strategies have shown to have positive results.
Diabetes Self-Management Education (DSME) is considered by many to be the cornerstone of care for achieving successful, health-related outcomes. DSME is the process of teaching people to manage their own diabetes and supports informed decision-making, self-care behaviors and collaboration with health care professionals. DSME programs and activities include attention to healthy eating, regular physical activity, regular monitoring of blood glucose levels, and adherence to medications. They also emphasize blood pressure, lipid management and smoking cessation.
Not typical of “self”-management programs, including and involving family members in DSME interventions can have positive effects and be instrumental for employees in achieving their personal health goals. Involving family also supports a total worker health approach and can lead to increased employee engagement, improved health outcomes and positive long-term impacts on a company’s bottom line.
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