Understanding Diabetes

for Better Diabetes Prevention and Management

The Current State of Diabetes¹

Diabetes is one of the most common and costly chronic diseases.
An estimated 23.1 million people in the United States are diagnosed with diabetes at a cost of more than $245 billion per year.
The CDC estimates that another 7.2 million people have diabetes but remain undiagnosed, while another 84.1 million adults 18 years and older have prediabetes.

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The Types of Diabetes²

Type 1 Diabetes: Type 1 diabetes occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks and kills the beta cells of the pancreas. Very little, or no, insulin is released into the body. Type 1 diabetes generally develops during childhood or adolescence, but can develop in adulthood.
Type 2 Diabetes: Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body can’t properly use the insulin that is released or does not make enough insulin. Type 2 diabetes develops in adults more often, but children can be affected.
Gestational Diabetes: This is a temporary condition that occurs during pregnancy. Having gestational diabetes may increase the risk of developing diabetes for both the mother and child.
Prediabetes: Prediabetes refers to blood glucose levels that are higher than normal, but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes. Without lifestyle changes, such as eating healthy foods and exercising regularly, people with prediabetes are very likely to progress to type 2 diabetes.
Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults (LADA): Latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA) is a slow progressing form of autoimmune diabetes. Like the autoimmune disease type 1 diabetes, LADA occurs because the pancreas stops producing adequate insulin. Unlike type 1 diabetes, someone with LADA often won’t need insulin for several months up to years after they’ve been diagnosed.

Type 2 Diabetes Causes³

Obesity
Physical inactivity
Insulin resistance
Genes and family history
Genetic mutation
Hormonal diseases
Medicines
Damage to the pancreas
Dietary choices

The Impact of Diabetes in the Workplace⁴

Diabetes can be associated with increased absenteeism
Productivity losses for the employer
Diabetes in full time employees costs employers up to $16 billion annually in lost productivity

Can companies take steps towards diabetes prevention?

Some actions can be taken to help employees prevent diabetes:

Internal corporate wellness programs to encourage an active lifestyle
Host workshops, such as “how to eat healthy in the workplace”
Host activity challenges to encourage healthy choices and group camaraderie
Offer healthy snacks and limit sugary drinks and foods

How Fitbit Health Solutions Can Help Prevent and Manage Diabetes

Control the impact diabetes can have on job productivity

Health outcomes accelerated

Fitbit Care’s digital experience and anytime access to health coaching has helped individuals reach their diabetes prevention and management goals faster than traditional coaching and other forms of care.⁵