Health Management Corporation Incorporates Clinically Proven Care Diabetes Management Program With Programming From dLife

RICHMOND, Va. (Map) - RICHMOND, Va., Nov. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- According to the American Diabetes Association there are 23.6 million children and adults in the United States who have diabetes and approximately one million people are diagnosed with the disease each year. In 2007, 17.5 million diagnosed diabetics in the U.S. resulted in $116 billion in excess medical expenditures.

In response to this growing epidemic, Health Management Corporation (HMC), a nationally recognized leader in integrated care and total health solutions and a subsidiary of WellPoint, Inc., recently partnered with dLife, a comprehensive online diabetes resource, to introduce new multimedia tools to help members learn more about the disease and how to better manage their condition through HMC's Care for Diabetes program.

HMC is working with dLife to incorporate their award-winning programming, including engaging videos, online content, interactive tools and print newsletters into HMC's comprehensive diabetes management program. The editorial content in dLife's multimedia network is overseen by a medical advisory board comprised of leaders in diabetes research, policy and care. Articles are based primarily on peer-reviewed academic research, and the editorial staff is committed to providing current, accurate, unbiased information.

"Our members can already call experienced registered nurses 24/7 to help them follow their physician's plan of care, answer questions and provide encouragement," said HMC president and WellPoint SVP,

Participants in the pilot program have access to a wide-range of health information through several media. Members can log on to a customized Website, www.dLife.com/anthem, powered by dLife, and access valuable advice from experts, tips for daily living with diabetes, simple, healthy recipes and other interactive tools designed to help them actively participate in their own care. In addition, members have access to the dLife Video player with segments specific to the seven key self care behaviors and will receive quarterly, educational newsletters about diabetes management. Members can also access a 24/7 audio library of health information on all aspects of diabetes life.

"HMC is a leader in innovative engagement initiatives and we're thrilled to work with them on this new program," says dLife Founder and CEO Howard Steinberg. "Our research shows that dLife's engaged consumers are more adherent to the medical therapies and lifestyle behaviors prescribed by their physicians. Working collaboratively with HMC health care professionals, we believe we can empower more people living with diabetes to lead healthier, more productive lives through effective self-management."

HMC's partnership with dLife strives to blend state-of-the-art technology, meaningful information and human interaction to encourage higher participant engagement, close gaps between appropriate care and non-compliance, and empower participants to become better self-managers of their diabetes.

Helping patients live well with diabetes is all about engaging them in monitoring and managing their health," says Francine Kaufman, author of "Diabesity" and Director of the Comprehensive Childhood Diabetes Center, and head of the Center for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles. "This partnership is an excellent example of innovative engagement strategies that will support people with diabetes and help them build healthier lives." Dr. Kaufman also serves on HMC's clinical advisory panel and dLife's clinical review board.

About HMC:

Founded in 1983, HMC is a wholly owned subsidiary of WellPoint, Inc. (NYSE: WLP) and one of the nation's largest and most experienced leaders in providing total health solutions for employers, health plans and government entities. HMC's innovative programs and services help people become better educated and more engaged in their health care, whether they're fit and healthy, at risk for developing a chronic condition or living with illness. With a fully integrated and population-based approach to health care that includes prevention, health and wellness, disease management and complex care, HMC is working to build healthier lives and communities. Visit HMC at http://www.choosehmc.com.

About dLife

dLife is the only multimedia network serving the diabetes community. Its award-winning multimedia outlets include dLifeTV, the only lifestyle TV series for people with diabetes, airing every Sunday on CNBC at 7:00PM ET and 4:00PM PT. dLife.com, with over 78,000 pages of superior content, 10,000 diabetic recipes, and over 400 videos is the leading online destination for diabetes information, inspiration, and connection. The dLife network also includes dLifeRadio, featuring the dLife Diabetes Minute, heard on stations around the country and on XM Satellite Radio; dLifeDirect, the only diabetes cooperative direct-mail program; professional programs; and more. Visit dLife at http://www.dlife.com.