Survey: Lack of Affordable Tools May Hinder Diabetes Management
COLUMBUS, Ohio — According to a recent survey conducted by Kelton Research, an estimated nine out of 10 people with Type 2 diabetes know that weight loss would help them to better control their diabetes and recognize the importance of a personalized weight management plan, but more than half mention expenses more than any other factor as a challenge to their daily diabetes management.
"Affordable, customized care is essential to successful weight loss among the millions of Americans with Type 2 diabetes," said Lorena Drago, registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator at The New York Weil Cornell Medical Center. "For those living with the condition, a weight management plan tailored to their personal needs and goals is equally as important as general education about the complexities of diabetes care."
Weight management has a profound impact on the long-term cost and complications related to diabetes. Studies have shown that even a 5 percent weight loss in people with Type 2 diabetes can improve health by lowering blood sugar levels.
Among those with Type 2 diabetes, four out of five people surveyed said they would be willing to participate in a free, Web-based weight management program that was tailored to their needs, such as the Diabetes Control for Life Program (Kelton).
"Comprehensive, readily accessible lifestyle improvement programs for people with diabetes are not always affordable or easy to find," explains Carolyn Alish, senior nutrition scientist, Abbott's Ross Products Division. "In response, our health care professional team developed the Diabetes Control for Life Program with personalized meal and fitness plans and a unique instant messaging function that allows participants to communicate online with a registered dietitian at no expense, in the comfort of their own home or anywhere they have Internet access."
For more information, visit www.diabeteshealthconnection.com.
This article originally appeared in the April 2006 issue of HME Business.