The National Health Insurance Company – Daman announced that over 60% of participants in its diabetes management programme have maintained or reduced their risks to develop complications over a period of 12 months with 89% following the programme’s coaches guidance to improve their quality of life.
The UAE’s leading health insurer revealed these findings following case reviews of over 4,100 enrolled members, which found that 63% of members enrolled in the programme have reduced or maintained their glycated haemoglobin (Hb1Ac) levels of which46%, around 2,000 members, have managed to reduce their levels by over 1.6%. Such a reduction is known to decrease the risks associated with the disease’s complications and improve the patient’s quality of life.
The health insurer noted this as a clinically meaningful outcome considering that the normal rate of Hb1Ac is 5.6% and a diagnosis of diabetes is made when it exceeds 6.5%. Studies show that those with type 2 diabetes who reduce their haemoglobin level by 1% are 19% less likely to suffer cataracts, 16% less likely to suffer heart failure, and 43% less likely to suffer amputation or death due to peripheral vascular disease.[1]
Daman has been providing the diabetes management programme over the past ten years, with over 17,000 members benefitting through Daman’s programme. The initiative provides diabetic members of the insurer with nutritional and exercise advice, as well as offering personal and educational support on applying adjustments to daily routines to cope with the condition and improve a members’ long-term quality of life.
Speaking on the success of the programme, Hamad Al Mehyas, Chief Executive Officer of the National Health Insurance Company – Daman, said: “Studies indicate that over 17.3% of the UAE population, aged 20 – 79, live with type 2 diabetes. Nonetheless, with more advancements made in diabetes research and treatment, it is increasingly becoming an easily manageable condition for many patients.As a result, the daily impact of diabetes on patients’ quality of life continues to diminish.
“When we launched the programme over a decade ago, it was the first of its kind in the region,not just among health insurers, but in general as a novel concept. We are proud of what we have achieved so far, and are excited with what we can achieve in the next decade and beyond, as we continue to deliver on our commitment to support our members and the wider UAE community.”
The measure of glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) is a globally recognised metric for assessing the average level of an individual’s blood sugar over a long-term period. Normal levels of HbA1c in blood sugar are below 6%, while levels of HbA1c in diabetic patients is at 6.5% or over. Studies have demonstrated that a reduction of 1% of HbA1c levels for those with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes cuts the risk of microvascular complications by 25%.
Daman offers a range of disease management programmes, helping to shape a healthier and more activity community in the UAE. Additional programmes include management of asthma and maternity.
