Research published online has shown that this type of program can have a strongly positive effect on employee wellbeing and help to reduce the incidences of diabetes and other types of chronic illness.
The experiment has taken the form of two different programs which have been implemented. According to the authors of the study, the first type of program uses a telephone service, where employees are given health-coaching. During the sessions they are given the motivation that they need to overcome any potential health risks in their everyday behaviour, for example they could be coached to eat healthily, take physical exercise, manage their weight, manage stress or stop smoking.
The second type of program was specifically targeted towards women who were suffering from gestational diabetes mellitus, in order to make sure that they receive appropriate care, including a post-birth glucose screening, and are also given educational information about how to prevent the occurrence of diabetes in the future.
Large numbers of people are at risk of developing diabetes and other health conditions, and it is important to find an umbrella type approach to making sure that they receive appropriate support and treatments. The studies seem to show that approaching the issues through work-based schemes does seem to catch a large number of people who may otherwise be at risk, and provide an effective way to deliver the vital information necessary to help reduce risk.