UnitedHealth finds partners to aid diabetes prevention

Minnetonka-based UnitedHealth Group is partnering with YMCAs and Walgreens across the country to prevent and control type 2 diabetes.

The project is based on work by the Centers for Disease Control that found people with pre-diabetes can prevent or delay the onset of the disease through eating a healthier diet and exercising.

Dr. Deneen Vojta, senior vice president of UnitedHealth's Center for Health Reform, said the company will help provide the program with its experience in health data and managing diseases.

"Unless we make a national program that's standardized, collect data so we continually improve the program we won't be able to succeed as a country in halting the epidemic," Vojta said.

In Minnesota, the program will be available to members of Medica health plans and the YMCA.