Autumn Stewart has always been aware of her family history with diabetes. She saw her doctor on a regular basis and kept track of her blood sugar numbers. Nevertheless, she found herself in the emergency room experiencing diabetic ketoacidosis, a serious complication of diabetes that can be life-threatening.

“Suddenly being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, I was scared, confused and didn’t know what to do next,” said Stewart, a senior recruitment manager at The Cigna Group. She found help from the Omada diabetes management program, which is included in her employee benefits.

How did you find out about the Omada program?

In my role, it’s vital to have a good understanding of our employee benefits to discuss with job candidates. Once I realized what was happening, I formulated a plan to take advantage of our amazing programs and benefits to help with diabetes. I enrolled in our Omada program and was thrilled to discover the resources available to me, such as continuous glucose monitors, one-on-one health coaching, access to a certified diabetes educator, and diabetes-specific peer groups and communities. I’m blown away and forever grateful for all the amazing benefits we have available to help someone with diabetes.

Were there people at Cigna who supported you throughout this journey?

My manager has been very supportive from the moment I shared my diagnosis. My case manager, Lynn Pearson, called me a day after being released from the hospital. I’ll never forget it – I was overwhelmed trying to understand how to navigate everything and absorb a ton of new information. I was shocked when she called and said, “Hi, I’m Lynn and I’m here to help you navigate what comes next.”

In a 45-minute discussion, she helped me confirm my coverage; place my prescriptions with Express Scripts; look at time-away options; select an endocrinologist; and find a dietitian. Lynn continues to check in every Friday, and I’m so grateful for her. I’ve also been amazed at the number of my colleagues who’ve reached out to share tips and insights on their experience battling diabetes.

How did your employee benefits improve your vitality?

Our Omada program has been phenomenal for my vitality. I was quickly connected with a representative to discuss my goals and assigned a clinician to answer my questions and help with diet and weight loss. Changes to my diet have been the biggest adjustment, since I’m a foodie, but learning what I can (and can’t) eat has been very helpful. In just three months, I’ve lost 10 pounds and decreased my A1C to 5.9 (down from 10.2 in the hospital). The Omada program helps you stick to a healthy diet, provides a community for support, and made me feel healthier, stronger and more energetic, which tremendously improved my vitality.

I’m still at the beginning of my journey, but everyone has been reassuring and helpful – it’s refreshing and a huge weight off my shoulders. I would not be where I am today without our company’s programs and resources.

What would you say to coworkers who are thinking about using Omada?

No matter if you’re prediabetic or diabetic, the Omada program is phenomenal. I wish I joined before reaching this point because I now know many things I could have done to avoid getting so sick. If you’re struggling, take advantage of the wonderful benefits available to help you make lifestyle adjustments before your health gets out of control.

For those diagnosed with this chronic illness, whether you have type 1 or type 2, you are not alone.