MetroHealth, Ohio Department of Health Partner to Offer No Cost Diabetes Prevention Program to Employer Partners

CLEVELAND – Employers and health plans across Northeast Ohio can offer their employees and members a proven program to reduce the risk of developing diabetes at no cost, thanks to a new partnership between The MetroHealth System and the Ohio Department of Health.

The initiative expands access to MetroHealth’s nationally recognized STRIDES (Steps To Reaching Individual Diet and Exercise Solutions) Diabetes Prevention Program, a year‑long, evidence‑based lifestyle change program designed to help individuals build healthier habits and lower their chance of progressing to Type 2 diabetes.

Through support provided by the Ohio Department of Health, partnering employers can enroll up to 75 employees with prediabetes in MetroHealth’s program at no cost. Employers and health plans can enroll additional employees for an affordable fee. The goal is to make it easier for employers to offer diabetes‑prevention coverage as a long‑term benefit for their teams – just as Medicare has done for years.

“This partnership with the Ohio Department of Health allows us to reach people at a critical moment in their health journey,” said Eileen Seeholzer, MD, co-author of the STRIDES program and Medical Director of the MetroHealth Weight Loss Surgery and Weight Management Center. “STRIDES gives individuals with prediabetes the tools, support and accountability they need to prevent Type 2 diabetes before it starts. By expanding access at no cost, we’re removing barriers and empowering more Ohioans to actively improve their health long-term. Diabetes typically doubles healthcare costs for individuals and negatively impacts their work and personal lives. Preventing diabetes and improving health is valuable for employees, their families, and employers.”

The year-long STRIDES program is group‑based and designed to accommodate the challenging schedules of adults. Participants learn practical strategies for healthy eating, active living and long‑term behavior change that fit their preferences and situation. Backed by the full resources of The MetroHealth System, STRIDES is part of a comprehensive approach to preventive care and chronic disease management.

Type 2 diabetes is one of the most common chronic conditions in the United States, affecting millions of adults and contributing to serious health complications. Individuals with prediabetes, a condition in which blood sugar levels are above normal but not yet in the diabetes range, have a high risk of developing diabetes. STRIDES helps participants lower their risk or even prevent diabetes altogether, with research showing effectiveness in preventing up to 58% of cases of Type 2 diabetes.

Participants attend weekly classes for the first six months and at least monthly sessions for the second six months. Classes are available both in‑person and online, with convenient weekday options to accommodate busy schedules.

“STRIDES is about giving people practical tools and real support to make lasting changes,” said Janeen Leon, MS, RDN, LD, Manager of the STRIDES program. “We’re proud to expand access to a program that helps individuals feel healthier, more confident, and more in control of their future.”

Since 2017, the STRIDES program has maintained the highest national recognition through the National Diabetes Prevention Program led by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), underscoring its effectiveness and impact.

Employers, health plans and brokers interested in offering STRIDES at no cost to their employees or members can contact Ryan Johnson (rjohnson4@metrohealth.org or 440-592-1119) for more information.