By Steven V. Edelman

Diabetes and obesity are dangerous, even deadly, diseases affecting many San Diegans at epidemic levels. More than 113,000 San Diegans have diabetes, and 52 percent are estimated to be overweight, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Local businesses must join the efforts to prevent and treat these common and very serious conditions.

Diabetes and obesity contribute to reduced productivity at the workplace through absenteeism or presenteeism — performance problems faced when employees go to work despite their illness — and take an enormous economic toll.

It is estimated that the cost of treating chronic conditions such as diabetes — without considering secondary health problems — totals $27 billion, and the impact of lost workdays and lower productivity results in an annual economic loss in California of at least $106 billion.

With November being National Diabetes Awareness Month, there is no better time to consider programs to combat diabetes and obesity.

The exact cause of type 2 diabetes has yet to be conclusively determined, but increasing evidence shows that obesity and type 2 diabetes are inextricably linked, and rising obesity rates are fueling the growing type 2 diabetes epidemic here in San Diego. Indeed, 67 percent of the cost associated with diabetes is attributable to obesity.

We know that excess weight exacerbates health problems such as high blood pressure and abnormal cholesterol levels in diabetes patients, often leading to heart disease and kidney failure, among other issues. Meanwhile, weight loss, even a modest amount, has helped people with diabetes achieve healthier, longer and more active lives.

Still, only 54 percent of U.S. employers offer at least one wellness program, including weight-loss programs, gym membership discounts, personal health coaching or a wellness newsletter.

At a recent round-table discussion attended by Take Control of Your Diabetes, a local nonprofit group, and some of San Diego’s largest employers, we were gratified to learn that much is already being offered to San Diego employees. But the consensus was that companies must continue to work together to evolve their offerings and identify new ways of encouraging employees to participate in those programs.

Health and wellness programs are known to improve the health of employees and reduce absenteeism. They can require only minimum corporate investment, such as hosting on-site health fairs or encouraging employees to attend local events such as the 14th annual Taking Control of Your Diabetes Conference and Health Fair at the San Diego Convention Center on Nov. 22.

Around 2,500 people with diabetes, their loved ones, and those at risk were expected to attend this all-day educational program presented by TCOYD in conjunction with more than 100 local and national medical experts.

More involved offerings include disease management programs to try to improve the health of people with chronic illnesses and reduce the associated costs. This could be done by teaching patients about their disease, suggesting treatment options, and assessing treatments and outcomes.