Health & Wellness

The Kroger Co. is joining the Diabetes Prevention and Control Alliance, expanding access to the group’s innovative, community-based programs that use proven approaches to help prevent and control diabetes.

The Cincinnati-based retail grocery chain, which has more than 2,400 stores across the country, will support patients enrolled in the Alliance’s Diabetes Control Program at select store pharmacies. Kroger joins UnitedHealth Group, the Y, Walgreen’s, Novo Nordisk and others as Alliance partners.

“Managing diabetes is not an easy task,” said Lincoln Lutz, Kroger’s VP of pharmacy. “But having a convenient location, such as a Kroger store, where you can get extra support and resources, can make it easier. We’re proud to be a part of the Alliance and look forward to contributing to its success in helping to reduce the negative impact of this disease.”

Kroger will participate in the Alliance’s Diabetes Control Program (DCP), which provides education and support from trained pharmacists to help people with diabetes better control their condition and reduce the risk of developing complications from diabetes. In-store pharmacists at select Kroger locations will conduct blood glucose, cholesterol and blood pressure testing services for program participants and provide them with on-the-spot results, enabling them to get immediate feedback on their progress.

Kroger is now offering the DCP in Cincinnati, Columbus and Dayton, Ohio, and will offer the program in Atlanta, Dallas, Houston and Las Vegas later this year.

“Kroger’s participation will be a tremendous asset in making sure this program reaches even more people with diabetes at the community level,” said Deneen Vojta, senior VP, UnitedHealth Center for Health Reform and Modernization, and one of the chief architects of the Diabetes Prevention and Control Alliance. “Offering consumers the choice to visit more locations that are convenient for them will increase the chances that they stick with their doctors’ recommended treatment programs and improve their health.”

The Diabetes Control Program provides individuals with diabetes access to trained pharmacists and nurse practitioners who provide personalized coaching and counseling in the convenient setting of a local pharmacy and help patients improve adherence to their physicians’ treatment plans.

For those Kroger outlets where in-store testing is not available, UnitedHealth Group will work with Home Healthcare Laboratory of America (HHLA), a subsidiary of Laboratory Corp. of America Holdings, another Alliance partner, to provide participants with at-home screening tests.

Kroger operates 2,458 supermarkets and multi-department stores in 31 states under two dozen local banner names including Kroger, City Market, Dillons, Jay C, Food 4 Less, Fred Meyer, Fry’s, King Soopers, QFC, Ralphs and Smith’s.

Meanwhile, Supervalu’s Jewel-Osco chain has announced its “Eating Healthy with My Diabetes,” free in-store tours designed to help customers learn to choose better-for-you foods and eat healthfully, while incorporating foods they love into their meal plans.

Specially-trained pharmacists and registered dietitians guide the tours, covering topics such as reading Nutrition Facts labels and identifying healthier food options such as high fiber grains and choices lower in saturated-fat, which are easily identified by Nutrition iQ, Jewel-Osco’s color-coded in-store nutritional navigation system. Tour content is geared for those who have diabetes and also extends to friends, family members and others who may be able to take action now to delay or stop their own diagnosis of diabetes.

“Managing diabetes is about understanding the importance of balanced nutrition, regular meals and choosing from a variety of food groups throughout the day. Our tours help customers discover how they can enjoy controlled portions from every food group and eat things they like, including what they need to help manage their blood sugar," said Kim Kirchherr, Jewel-Osco registered dietician.

The tours will run through early December. More information is at www.eatinghealthywithmydiabetes.com.

Jewel-Osco operates 182 stores in Illinois, Iowa and Northwest Indiana.