Informatics-Supported Diabetes Prevention Programming in West Virginia

Addressing diabetes, prediabetes, and related health conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, and physical inactivity are critical public health priorities for the United States, particularly West Virginia. Preventing chronic conditions through early identification of risk and intervention to reduce risk is essential. Primary care and community-based programs need a more connected informatics system by which they work in tandem to identify, refer, treat, and track target populations. This case study in quality improvement examines the effectiveness of national diabetes prevention programming in West Virginia via the West Virginia Health Connection initiative, which was designed to provide such an informatics structure. Cohort analysis reveals an average weight loss of 13.6 pounds-or 6.3 percent total body weight loss-per person. These changes represent decreased risk of diabetes incidence and increased healthcare savings. Lessons learned are applicable to other areas aiming to build and sustain a data-informed health analytics network.