Diabetes can also lead to mental health issues. People with diabetes often suffer from anxiety and feelings of sadness and unease. This can be related to checking their blood glucose excessively, worries about complications and the effects of diabetes on their work and personal lives.
Prevention
Certain factors and lifestyle choices can help lessen the severity of Type 2 diabetes. These include:
- Food and nutrition
- Stress management
- Movement and exercise
- Medication
Diabetes awareness for your employees
As an employer, you can help your employees understand the risks associated with diabetes, and how solutions in your benefits plan and other wellness initiatives can help. These may include:
- Drug coverage to ensure they are adhering to their medication protocol.
- Extended Health Care paramedical benefits and/or Health Spending Accounts (HSAs) that include coverage for mental health specialists and registered dieticians.
- Personal Spending Accounts (PSAs) that offer coverage for fitness equipment, nutrition counselling, fitness classes.
Take the test
Encourage your employees to take the (CANRISK) test. By answering 11 questions in about two minutes, they can find out if they’re at risk. Proactive steps like these can help them improve their well-being and live a healthier life.
We’ve also created a plan member flyer for you to share with your employees. It gives them information on prevention and helpful tips on how to manage their condition if they’re one of the 11 million Canadians living with diabetes or prediabetes.
Questions? We’re here to help.
Please contact your Sun Life Group Benefits representative.
