Case StudyResults of a Behaviorally Enriched Diabetes Prevention Program

What It Means to be "Powered by Silver Fern"


How WellSpark Health used the Silver Fern Prediabetes Program to achieve outstanding results with a hard-to-reach population.


Commercial drivers face challenging work schedules and are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes, which can impact their livelihood and quality of life.

WellSpark Health coaches engaged 97 commercial drivers in a customized, behaviorally enriched Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) over the course of twelve months. Using Silver Fern’s prediabetes assessment modules, seven times more drivers completed 22 sessions, and approximately 2x more drivers achieved their physical activity and weight-loss goals compared to CDC-standard Diabetes Prevention Programs.


"If it wasn’t for this program, I don’t know if I’d be alive right now. Thank you!"
- Diabetes Prevention Program Participant

Participating drivers’ mean HbA1c dropped from 5.6% to 5.2%, a clinically significant change which translates into a meaningful reduction in cost of care.


Silver Fern delivered population-level data to program leaders that were used to tailor training content and implement program engagement strategies.


Example Population Health Insights

Top three behaviors, barriers, and goals in the commercial driver population
illuminated by Silver Fern’s Meal Plan module:

MOST COMMON BEHAVIORS

  • 42% Didn’t limit the number of carbohydrates at each meal
  • 25% Didn’t read labels on food packages
  • 24% Ate out at restaurants or bought fast food

MOST COMMON BARRIERS

  • 41% Had a sweet tooth
  • 32% Ate when they were bored or stressed
  • 28% Enjoyed snacking between meals

MOST COMMON GOALS

  • 37% Wanted to eat healthier snacks
  • 27% Wanted to manage carbohydrates better in their diet
  • 21% Wanted to eat more fruits and vegetables

"This program is transforming how the family unit relates to food, exercise and wellness. The benefits will be transferred to future generations."
- Ron M., Former President of the Drivers’ Union
Public sector drivers who plow and pave around the clock and through seasonal climate extremes may be prone to weight gain, poor nutrition, lack of exercise, poor sleep habits, and chronic conditions. Silver Fern’s prediabetes modules are research-based and specifically designed to unlock the behaviors, barriers, and goals related to these and other psychosocial health factors.

The 10 modules in Silver Fern’s Prediabetes Program:

  • Health Literacy & Numeracy
  • Behavioral Health Barriers
  • Cognitive Functioning
  • Poor Sleep
  • SDoH Plus
  • Disability
  • Physical Pain
  • Smoking Cessation
  • Physical Activity
  • Meal Plan

    • Click here to learn more about our Prediabetes Program


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