There is a great deal that Health and Welfare Funds can do to prevent and lessen the burden of diabetes, and, the costs of doing nothing are astronomical. Today, about 15% of adult participants have diabetes, but only 2/3rds know it. If we do nothing, in 15 years 30-40% of adult participants will have diabetes.

So there really is no choice: something has to be done, and it has to be done urgently. This can either be done by each Fund individually or together by the Multiemployer Fund community. We think a common response is best, in terms of science, finance and impact. That’s why we are launching the Diabetes Awareness and Management Campaign, United Against Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease.

Diabetes can be prevented, and then treated if it develops, but to do so effectively Health and Welfare Funds must do more than “stand in the shoes” of their participants. They must actively engage with participants to encourage behavior change, early detection, and rigorous compliance with treatment guidelines.

ORGANIZATIONS OF
United Against Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease

DRI

www.diabetesresearch.org

The Diabetes Research Institute at the The University of Miami Miller School of Medicine will provide the
scientific and medical expertise, as well as develop the Patient Support Program.

DAD

www.dadsday.org

The Dollars Against Diabetes foundation will expand its fund raising focus to assure that the UAD campaign is self-sustaining.

NCCMP

www.nccmp.org

The National Coordinating Committee for Multiemployer Plans will assure that the campaign reaches and serves the multiemployer community.

CPWR

www.cpwr.com

The Center to Protect Workers’ Rights will manage the UAD campaign.

As recently as 15 years ago, most health and welfare funds gave little thought to diabetes. Today, it is the fastest growing and most costly individual disease category that we face.

Implications for health and welfare funds

In 2006, the Multiemployer Community already faces this reality.

• Approximately 10% of the adult population over age 40 has diabetes.
• In 2002, average medical costs per diabetic patient were $6,300, which in 2006 would be over $9,000.
• Average medical costs for diabetics are 4 times higher than non-diabetics.
• Two in five people with diabetes still have poor cholesterol control; 1 in 3 has poor blood pressure control; 1 in 5 has poor glucose control.
• For every two diagnosed diabetics, there is one who is not diagnosed.
• Diabetes greatly increases the likelihood of developing heart disease; construction workers with heart disease are 60% more likely to retire on.