NEW YORK, Aug. 10, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, EmblemHealth announced that it has received full recognition as a deliverer of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) National Diabetes Prevention Program (National DPP). EmblemHealth is the first U.S. insurer to earn this recognition from the CDC.
Launched in 2012, the CDC-led National DPP is based on research led by the National Institutes of Health, which showed that high-risk individuals who participated in lifestyle change programs, like those recognized by the CDC, saw a significant reduction in the incidence of type 2 diabetes. The program is most commonly delivered by local hospitals and clinics, health departments, community centers, universities, and schools. Currently, there are more than 900 organizations delivering CDC lifestyle change programs across the country, and more than 70 have gained full recognition so far.
“We are thrilled to add EmblemHealth to our list of fully recognized organizations,” said Dr. Ann Albright, Director of CDC’s Division of Diabetes Translation. “Full recognition is reserved for programs that have effectively delivered a quality, evidence-based program that meets CDC standards. Organizations delivering our program have the potential to significantly reduce the impact of type 2 diabetes locally and nationally.”
Diabetes is a growing concern in the U.S. More than 29 million American adults are living with diabetes, and many more may be at risk. According to recent CDC data, 86 million American adults are living with prediabetes, a serious health condition that can increase risk for type 2 diabetes, heart attack and stroke.
In New York, nearly two million adults have been diagnosed with diabetes, and data from the American Diabetes Association suggests more than 5.4 million New Yorkers (36.2 percent of the population) have prediabetes. Without a lifestyle change intervention, many of those with prediabetes may progress to type 2 diabetes in the next three to five years.
“Keeping New Yorkers healthy is a top concern for us, and this proven prevention program helps reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and related complications,” said Karen Ignagni, President and CEO of EmblemHealth. “Emblem is proud to have been recognized by the CDC, and we look forward to continuing to bring innovative wellness programs to New Yorkers.”
EmblemHealth’s Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) is led by trained lifestyle coaches, who help participants improve their eating habits, increase physical activity and reduce stress. Through a partnership with AdvantageCare Physicians (ACPNY), members are able to obtain direct referrals to the program, which drives improved quality performance. This multifaceted approach is intended to help participants manage and improve their health. Since member engagement is not one-size-fits-all, lifestyle coaches use a member-centric approach that provides an exceptional customer experience. The program includes group support from other participants with similar challenges and goals, and is currently offered in English and Spanish, with plans to also offer a Chinese-language program.
EmblemHealth’s Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) was launched in partnership with the CDC and America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) in July 2013. EmblemHealth is the only health plan in New York that directly provides this program to its members. The organization also offers the DPP to New York employers for their employees. With technical assistance from the State of New York, the program is offered throughout New York City’s five boroughs, and EmblemHealth Neighborhood Care sites. EmblemHealth Neighborhood Care sites are strategically located in communities with a high prevalence of obesity and type 2 diabetes – offering access to the city’s most vulnerable populations. To learn more about local programs, or how to offer the DPP as a covered benefit for employees, contact EmblemHealth at 646.447.0976.
About EmblemHealth
EmblemHealth, one of the nation’s largest nonprofit health plans, serves 3.1 million people who live and work across the New York tristate area. The company offers quality, affordable health benefits to consumers, employers and government purchasers as well as coverage for prescription drugs, dental and vision care. EmblemHealth utilizes a choice of quality networks to deliver personalized, coordinated care while leading the market in value-based delivery. For more information, visit EmblemHealth.com.