Is Prevention the Cure? Some Thoughts on Diabetes Around the Holidays

THE NUMBERS

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month, and so is the holiday season! Thanksgiving marks the beginning, and it carries through until New Years. The CDC says 1 in 3 Americans are prediabetic, and 11.6% or 39 million people have diabetes. According to The American Diabetes Association, the disease placed a $412.9 billion dollar burden on the American healthcare system, $306.6 billion of that in direct medical costs. That’s up $80 billion from ten years ago. The cost of insulin increased 24% between 2017 and 2022. $106.3 billion in indirect costs can be attributed to loss of productivity at work, and for an employee utilizing a self-funded health plan that employer is doubly affected. The NIH estimates the cost of Type 2 Diabetes per employee is an extra $7000 annually.

PREVENTION IS WORTH MORE THAN A POUND OF CURE

Utilizing a wellness program like our Healthy Tomorrows by Hines application is an excellent choice as a preventative measure for pre-diabetic members. Complimented by Hines’ Diabetic Disease Management solution for those living with the disease as it offers members who are diabetic a way to minimize the impact on their social and working lives.

Your health starts with you, and while the holidays may seem like a time that’s impossible to avoid refined sugars and calorically dense foods; here is a list of measures you can take to make sure you and your holiday guests stay healthy:

Non-starchy vegetables should make up the bulk of your meals. Leafy greens like broccoli and brussels sprouts are hearty and filling.
Starchy vegetables are okay in moderation as their fiber content keeps you full longer and mitigates a blood sugar spike. Watch out for unnecessary butter or oils.
Avoid refined carbs like white rice or bread. This can cause an insulin spike.
Use leaner cuts of meat and consider lower calorie cooking methods like braising, grilling or roasting.
Portion sizes are an easy way to limit overconsumption.
For sweets utilize a sugar alternative like Splenda or stevia.
Bring a healthy dish to a holiday party. If you’re hosting offer healthier dishes as well as classic dishes so you and your guests have options.
Drink plenty of water so you feel full with less calories.
Leave sauces, dressings and toppings on the side so you can customize the amount you and your guests use.

While hosting or attending holiday festivities can be stressful, staying healthy can be one less thing to worry about. For more information on Hines’ care, cost and risk solutions please message sales@hinesassoc.comand happy holidays!

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