Preventing Diabetes in the Workplace: Effects of Coaching and Monetary Incentives.

Abstract

Prevention of diabetes demonstrated in the diabetes prevention program has not been thoroughly evaluated in workplace settings. Glycemic control was assessed by glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and its impact on 5-year incidence of diabetes and prediabetes prevalence, in wellness program participants (WPP) of (Group A, with) or (Group B, without) health coaching and monetary incentives. HbA1c fell in Group A WPP (5.52 ± 0.60 vs 5.58 ± 0.36 SD, P = 0.04) as did prediabetes. Incident diabetes was less than expected (24 vs 74, P < 0.001). HbA1c increased in Group B WPP (5.37 ± 0.40 SD vs 5.58 ± 0.54, P < 0.001) and prediabetes increased from 28 to 36 (P < 0.001). Health coaching and monetary incentives improved glycemic control over 5 years, an improvement not observed in WPP without these interventions.