Two big names in lifestyle change development for diabetes prevention are joining forces to bring their technologies to more participants. Omada Health offers its Prevent program that combines a curriculum, coaching, and social support to motivate people with pre-diabetes to change dangerous aspects of their lifestyles. Viridian Health Management, meanwhile, has been rolling out its My Weigh 2 Prevent Diabetes program in more than 30 states. Both are based on the curriculum of the National Diabetes Prevention Program (National DPP) which was developed as part of an NIH study supported by the CDC that showed that modest lifestyle modifications can lead to significant reduction in the chance of developing diabetes. While Viridian’s program relies on face-to-face coaching at clinics and community centers, Omada’s is an online program, so the partnership will help channel people toward the programs more appropriate for them.

Read more: http://www.medgadget.com/2013/06/omada-and-viridian-partner-to-help-more-people-prevent-diabetes.html

GUEST MENTOR Sean Duffy, CEO and co-founder of Omada Health: No entrepreneur can — or should — go it alone. But beyond hiring some teammates in the trenches, you’ll also need a handful of people working with you from the sidelines. Your advisers and board of directors are there to provide the high-level input that is difficult to get when you’re in the weeds.

But don’t confuse the two. Understanding the differences between them — and therefore the criteria you must consider before bringing either type on — will be crucial to the ultimate success of your company.

Read more: http://blogs.wsj.com/accelerators/2013/06/18/sean-duffy-the-4-types-of-advisers-every-startup-needs/