January 2025
Chronic Conditions are on the Rise—Help Your Employees Combat Them and Stay Healthy
Applies to all groups
An estimated 129 million people in the US have at least one major chronic disease* (among them heart disease, diabetes, obesity and hypertension). These diseases have been steadily on the rise. (See chart.) By 2025, chronic diseases will affect nearly half (49%) of the American population*. While heredity plays a role, lifestyle is something we can improve, mitigating the risk of developing life-threatening illnesses. Two conditions are interconnected: hypertension and prediabetes.
A Look at Causes, Consequences, and Response
In recent years, the US has faced a surge in hypertension (high blood pressure) and prediabetes. Often dubbed “silent” due to the lack of noticeable symptoms in early stages, they are becoming increasingly prevalent. Together, they can be a precursor to more serious illnesses, including diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
The Scope of the Problem
According to recent data from the CDC, nearly half of U.S. adults have hypertension or are on medication for it, and more than 80 million Americans have prediabetes. Prediabetes is characterized by higher-than-normal blood sugar levels and a forerunner to Type 2 diabetes. Both of these can lead to serious health issues if not managed. In fact, without intervention, up to 70% of people with prediabetes will progress to diabetes. Given the potential overlap, individuals with hypertension also have a high likelihood of developing prediabetes due to shared risk factors like obesity, poor diet, and lack of exercise.
Strategies for Best Outcomes
To address the growing prevalence of these conditions, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, offers several virtual programs that can help your employees living with hypertension and prediabetes minimize the effects of these conditions and improve their health.
These digital health tools can inspire members to get on a healthy path while in the comfort of their own homes. Remote monitoring with apps to track blood pressure and weight can help them stay motivated to reach their goals.
Members report satisfaction with the program:
"This experience with Omada has been life-changing for me and my family. I feel for the first time that I have true support without judgment for a lifetime of healthy eating. The bite size nutrition lessons, the community groups, the virtual health coaches, and the built in accountability at every corner are reasons that Omada is different. I keep telling my family and friends, I'm not on a diet, I'm switching things up for a healthy way of life." Omada Member
Omada is backed by several peer review studies demonstrating positive health outcomes, including sustained weight loss and reduction in blood sugar levels across diverse populations. It can be incorporated into your BCBSTX health plan with no extra cost to employees. You can give them a virtual, at home setting to get healthier.
To learn more, contact your account executive.
* As defined by the US Department of Health and Human Services.
Omada is an independent company that provides chronic disease prevention solutions for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas. Omada is solely responsible for the products and services that it provides. BCBSTX makes no endorsement, representations or warranties regarding third-party vendors and the products and services offered by them.
Omada is available to Wellbeing Management and Health Advocacy Solutions Large Group, ASO, Fully Insured Custom and Small Group, Large Group Standard & Mid-Market members.
