Deneen Vojta, MDSenior Vice President

Center for Health Reform & ModernizationUnitedHealth Group

The $174 Billion Question: How to Reduce Diabetes and Obesity

Alliance for Health ReformJuly 23, 2010

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The Diabetes Epidemic: Taking a Toll on the Health of Our Nation

The problem is only getting worse

Diabetes is one of the fastest growing diseases in the country. In 2007 alone there were 1.6 million new cases of diabetes among adults.

One out of three people born in the U.S. in the year 2000 will develop diabetes in their lifetimes if current trends continue.

One of every five health care dollars is spent caring for someone with diagnosed diabetes.

The estimated cost of the disease has increased 32% – or $8 billion a year – since 2002, reaching $174 billion in 2007.

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Transformative Role for Health Insurers

To address this epidemic, health plans need to help transform the U.S. “sick” care system into a true health care system:

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Public-Private-Community Partnerships:Collaborating for Better Health

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We synthesize employer’s medical claims, demographics and other indicators to identify individuals who match pre-diabetic profiles

Participants are scheduled in the 16-week program, delivered over 20 weeks

Comprehensive program covers:• Weight loss through exercise

and behavior modification• Pre-diabetes education• Healthy eating habits• Risk factor reduction

We contact eligible participants via multiple channels – telephonically, direct marketing, and e-campaigns. Screen those at risk.

Participants have option for 12 months of “monthly maintenance” to sustain results

5% loss in weight reduces diabetes conversion rate by 58%

Healthier eating habitsImproved nutritionIncreased physical activity

Outcome: Better clinical and financial results

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Participant outreach 3 Participant enrolled/scheduled

45 Participant joins 16-week YMCA program

Participant receives optional monthly maintenance

Diabetes Prevention Program at a GlanceA Solution-Driven Partnership to Prevent Diabetes

Diabetes Prevention Program: A New Model of Care

Designed to slow and prevent the development of Type II diabetes

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Innovative Approach to Fighting an Epidemic

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Call to Action

Challenge

*Footnote here. 8pt type. Aligned to bottom. No need to move or resize this box.

Finding Solutions Next Steps

The U.S. has made a $940 billion commitment to expand health insurance coverage over 10 years for 32 million of 54 million uninsured Americans

Expanded access can only be achieved and sustained if we address a primary driver of cost -- health risk -- and promote policies that have meaningful impact on health outcomes

Promised advances in health care coverage will be erased if Americans’ increasing health risk is not urgently addressed

 

According to Urban Institute research, bringing the Diabetes Prevention Program to scale could result in $190 billion in savings to the health system over 10 years

 

This initiative marks an important stepbut we need to build capacity and engage more partners at both the federal and community level to join in similar efforts to stem the rising tide of diabetes and obesity in this country

 

Focus on Early Identification, Intervention and Prevention