The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) estimates that about 26 million people in the U.S. have diabetes. About seven million of these individuals are undiagnosed. The rising prevalence of Type 2 diabetes should not be overlooked by employers: In 2007, diabetes and pre-diabetes cost the U.S. an estimated $218 billion in direct and indirect costs due to higher medical expenses and lost productivity. In addition to increasing risk of glaucoma, stroke, or heart disease, people with diabetes often suffer from acute symptoms such as fatigue, irritability, and infections. No matter how large or small your workforce, your company will be increasingly affected by diabetes.

The first step: People should get screened. Screenings for employees are a good investment, a fight against a costly illness.

TotalWellness offers on-site health screenings that include blood glucose and A1C tests, which can help identify diabetes among your employees. An A1C test helps participants understand how well blood sugar has been controlled over a period of time. Blood sugar values fluctuate over the course of a day or week, so an A1C gives them a picture of the average blood sugar over the past three months.

Are you doing enough to show your employees that you value their health? Having a quality employee health and wellness program shows employees, including prospective employees, that you value your employees. Here are a few simple things you can do to create a healthier workplace.

February is American Heart Month, a time to raise awareness about heart disease and educate employees on what they can do to live heart-healthy lives.