DPCA's Not Me program extended to Arizona state employees

PHOENIX — Arizona has become one of the first state governments in the nation to join a program created by UnitedHealth Group's Diabetes Prevention and Control Alliance.

The state of Arizona joins more than 25 other Arizona employers who have enrolled in the DPCA's Not Me program — an employer- and community-based initiative aimed at tipping the scales against the epidemic of diabetes, prediabetes and obesity — since its launch in 2010.

The Arizona Department of Health Services estimates 8.5% of the Arizona's adult population statewide has diabetes. Nationally, nearly 26 million people, or 8.3% of the population, have diabetes, while 79 million Americans have prediabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

"Diabetes is taking a staggering toll on children, families and communities across Arizona and throughout the country," UnitedHealthcare Employer and Individual of Arizona CEO Jeri Jones said. "The evidence shows that making small lifestyle decisions can have a big effect on reducing the prevalence of diabetes. This program provides an opportunity for Arizona residents to take control of their own health and say 'Not Me' to diabetes."

Interested in this topic? Sign up for our weekly Collaborative Care e-newsletter.