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Managing chronic conditions with nutrition
By: Benefits by Design | Tuesday March 11, 2025
Updated : Monday March 10, 2025
This is a guest blog post by Allison Rew, Director, Partnerships for Health Solutions, a division of People Corporation.
It’s no secret that what we eat affects our health. We also know that diet alone isn’t the only culprit when it comes to our ailments. However, when we are purposeful with what we put into our bodies, we can make changes for the better.
The correlation between nutrition and chronic conditions
There are many chronic conditions that are impacted by nutrition, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiac disease, arthritis and more. Moreover, some of these conditions are related as well, with the development of one paving the way for risk of developing another. For example, chronic obesity can lead to heart disease; hypertension can lead to stroke.
The good news is, early detection of risk, along with changes and improvements in diet and exercise, can significantly alter the course of one’s health journey. Those who have already developed a chronic condition can use health and diet to manage their disease.
Managing chronic conditions with nutrition
Chronic conditions such as diabetes, obesity, arthritis and auto-immune disorders are taking centre stage with their increased prevalence. March is nutrition month and with the spotlight on healthy eating, now is a perfect time to understand how simple changes can add up to significant results. For many Canadians living with or at risk of developing a chronic disease, the problem lies with receiving adequate support and education to make necessary changes.
How People Connect Carepath can help
People Connect Carepath (available as part of the Benefits by Design [BBD] Business Assistance Program [BAP]) assigns users with a personalized Nurse Care Manager (NCM) to assist in the following ways:
Customized medical plans: Review of medical history and creation of health goals. This includes tailored nutritional recommendations and specific medical guidance to manage your condition.
Condition and test result information: Education provided about diagnosed or at-risk chronic diseases (i.e. diabetes). Detailed explanation of test results (i.e. blood tests) help to increase knowledge of what changes need to be made to improve results.
Dietary and lifestyle guidance: Guidance provided on appropriate lifestyle modifications to meet set health goals. Trackers, resources, and regular follow-ups provided to ensure continued success.
Case study: Managing Diabetes with support from Carepath
How Carepath helped an employee diagnosed with pre-diabetes improve their lifestyle and reduce chronic disease risk.
Health factors:
- High Body Mass Index and admits to frequent snacking and a carbohydrate-rich diet.
- Exercises a few days a week, stressful job and inadequate sleep.
Carepath management steps:
- Nurse Care Manager (NCM) clarified health goals and reviewed medical history.
- General overview of pre-diabetes and Type 2 Diabetes provided.
- Evidence-based information reviewed and shared with the client.
- Lifestyle modifications explored and collaborative goals established.
- NCM provided resources for tracking health goal progress.
- Summary of key points provided in writing for future reference.
- Encouraged regular follow-up with Family Doctor.
- Follow-up calls with NCM scheduled as per client needs.
Outcome:
- Within 3 months of implementing lifestyle modifications, the client had lost 22lbs and their A1C (average blood sugar level) went from 6.4% to 6.0%.
- Blood pressure also went down from above 130/80 to consistently below 130/80.
- Improved sleep.
- Improved overall feeling of health.
- Case remains active with ongoing NCM support.
Already have access to People Connect Carepath? Receive guidance from a Nurse Care Manger by logging in at the link below:
Get started with Carepath today
Find out how the BAP helps your employees manage chronic disease risk or symptoms.
Download: People Connect BAP Infosheet for Plan members
Nutrition plays an important role in our overall health, and employers can help employees eat healthier by providing help and guidance in the form of an EAP or wellness programs. Other ways to encourage healthy eating is to provide alternative options to unhealthy snacks. Instead of chips and chocolates, offer trail mix, fresh fruit and veggies, add honey or maple syrup, and non-dairy milk options to your employee staff room supplies, and lead by example!
Discover a multitude of ways to nurture your employees’ health with the 2025 Roadmap!
Blog: 2025 Health and Wellness Roadmap [FREE DOWNLOAD] (2MB)
