By Nurse Deb, Division President of AIMM, a Vensure Employer Solutions Company

November is Diabetes Awareness Month, and for employers, it’s a perfect time to take a closer look at how diabetes is impacting your workforce, and what you can do about it. While diabetes may not be a new topic, the way we manage and support employees with the condition is evolving, and now is the time to make sure your programs are working as hard as they can for you.

The Rising Impact of Diabetes on the Workforce

Did you know that over 30 million Americans have diabetes, and another 80 million are at risk? That’s a huge number—and it’s even more concerning when you realize how much diabetes can affect productivity, healthcare costs, and the overall well-being of your employees. People with diabetes have to manage their condition on a daily basis, and if not properly managed, it can lead to serious complications like heart disease, kidney damage, and even amputations.

For employers, this means more sick days, higher healthcare costs, and a less productive workforce. But here’s the good news: with proactive management and the right support, employees with diabetes can live healthy, productive lives—and you can reduce the burden on your business.

The Power of Diabetes-Specific Programs

Many employers already provide employees with access to diabetes management programs. These programs can be a game-changer, offering everything from education to glucose monitoring tools and specialized care. Some even have Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) specifically designed to help employees with diabetes stay on track.

But here’s the issue: even the best programs don’t do any good if employees aren’t utilizing them—or worse, if they don’t know how to make the most of the benefits available to them. That’s where AIMM comes in.

AIMM’s Role in Maximizing Diabetes Program Utilization

At AIMM, we specialize in ensuring that employees not only understand the diabetes management programs available to them, but also know how to use them effectively. Our nurses can help employees navigate the complex world of diabetes care, reminding them of the resources available, offering guidance on nutrition, exercise, and medication management, and even connecting them with specialized care when necessary.

When employees engage with their diabetes program, they’re more likely to stay healthy, reduce complications, and ultimately take fewer sick days. But when they’re not actively using the tools and resources you’ve provided, you’re missing out on a major opportunity to support them and reduce your business’s healthcare costs.

The Financial Strain of Insulin Price Gouging and New Treatments

For people with diabetes, the rising cost of insulin is a harsh reality. In recent years, insulin prices have skyrocketed, putting a massive financial strain on patients and their families. The out-of-pocket cost of insulin can sometimes exceed $1,000 per month, even for those with insurance. This price gouging has made it increasingly difficult for patients to afford the medications they need to manage their diabetes, resulting in some patients cutting back on doses or delaying treatment—both of which can lead to dangerous complications.

This is where AIMM’s expertise comes in. Not only do we help employees access the most cost-effective diabetes management programs, but we also work with them to find ways to lower their insulin costs. Whether it’s navigating through available financial assistance programs, exploring alternative insulin options, or managing prescriptions, we’re here to ensure your employees can access the medications they need at the most affordable price.

But that’s not all. As the conversation around diabetes treatment evolves, there’s also the rise of GLP-1 medications, such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro. These drugs have shown promise in not only helping with diabetes management but also with weight loss, offering significant benefits to patients. However, the high cost of these medications is another barrier that can prevent patients from getting the care they need.

AIMM stays on top of these evolving treatments and helps employees navigate the complexities of access and affordability, ensuring that they’re getting the most effective care without breaking the bank.

Diabetes and the Bottom Line

The financial impact of diabetes on businesses is staggering. In fact, diabetes costs U.S. employers more than $20 billion in lost productivity each year. And that’s not even factoring in the direct healthcare costs of treating diabetes and its complications. So, it’s clear: the more your employees engage with diabetes management programs, the less these costs will eat into your profits.

By working with AIMM, you can help your employees maximize the value of their diabetes programs. We’ll guide them through the process, ensuring they’re using the benefits you’ve already purchased and helping them get the care they need, when they need it. In the end, your employees will be healthier, your business will save money, and everyone wins.

Taking Action Now

Diabetes is a chronic condition, but with the right care and support, it doesn’t have to derail your workforce. If you haven’t already, consider integrating diabetes management programs into your benefits package, and don’t forget to take full advantage of the resources available.

AIMM is here to help. From helping employees navigate their diabetes care to ensuring they’re getting the most out of your diabetes-specific programs, we’re with you every step of the way.

To learn more about how AIMM can help you maximize diabetes program utilization and keep your employees healthy.