Preventing Diabetes in the Workplace: Effects of Coaching and Monetary Incentives.

OBJECTIVE: Prevention of diabetes demonstrated in the diabetes prevention program has not been thoroughly evaluated in workplace settings. METHODS: Glycemic control was assessed by glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and its impact on 5-year incidence of diabetes and prediabetes prevalence, in wellness program participants (WPP) of (Group A, with) or (Group B, without) health coaching and monetary incentives. RESULTS: HbA1c fell in Group A WPP (5.52 ±â€Š0.60 vs 5.58 ±â€Š0.36 SD, P = 0.04) as did prediabetes. Incident diabetes was less than expected (24 vs 74, P < 0.001). HbA1c increased in Group B WPP (5.37 ±â€Š0.40 SD vs 5.58 ±â€Š0.54, P < 0.001) and prediabetes increased from 28 to 36 (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Health coaching and monetary incentives improved glycemic control over 5 years, an improvement not observed in WPP without these interventions.