The combination of depression and diabetes is common and potentially
dangerous. People with depression can find it hard to make the lifestyle
changes needed to manage diabetes. If not well managed, diabetes often
leads to additional health issues, like heart, circulatory and kidney
disease. Today, Aetna (NYSE: AET)
and AbilTo are announcing a new program to help members with diabetes
combat depression and take control of their diabetes.
"More than 25 million adults suffer from diabetes. This group is twice
as likely as others to suffer from depression," said Michael Golinkoff,
Ph.D., senior advisor, Aetna Behavioral Health Operations. "Depression
increases the risk of more health problems, higher prescription drug use
and additional medical visits. If we can help members effectively manage
depression, we can help members control diabetes and have better health."
Aetna's Care Management teams identify eligible members and invite them
to join AbilTo's Diabetes Forum. The program began in June for members
in Aetna's commercial self-insured and fully insured medical plans in
the following states: