Do you have a minute? In that brief time, you can assess your risk for developing diabetes.
Prediabetes Preview
You may be at higher risk for developing diabetes if you have a condition called prediabetes – or a higher-than-normal blood sugar level that isn’t high enough to be type 2 diabetes. One in three people have prediabetes, and most aren’t aware. It’s estimated that 30 percent of people with prediabetes will develop type 2 diabetes within five years.
Type 2 diabetes means your body doesn’t properly use insulin, a hormone that helps supply your cells with glucose.
If you have type 2 diabetes, you’re at higher risk for the following serious health conditions:
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Blindness
- Kidney failure
- Loss of toes, feet or legs
Medical treatment, testing and supplies to manage diabetes also have a financial toll. If you have diabetes, your out-of-pocket medical costs will increase due to the need for
additional visits, prescriptions and other interventions related to potential complications.
I’m at Risk… Now What?
If your quiz showed you’re at risk, there’s help. U-M offers the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) to eligible health plan members to promote healthy habits. The DPP helps participants learn the skills to establish a healthy weight, improve nutrition and move more to lessen your chance of prediabetes advancing to type 2 diabetes. You learn these skills with the support of a group of peers and a health coach.
To ensure safety, the DPP is offered only through virtual platforms at this time.
Since the DPP began in September 2020, 186 U-M employees have lost a collective 932 pounds. After the first 16-week program, 90 percent of U-M participants who responded to a survey said they were satisfied with the program. They rated the following as their top draws: the digital, wireless scale; educational lessons; and food tracking.
New Year, Better Health
You’re eligible for the DPP if:
- You have U-M health plan coverage.
- You’re an active U-M employee age 18 or older, an active employee's covered dependent age 18 or older, a U-M retiree age 65 or younger, or a retiree's covered dependent age 65 or younger.
- You meet the criteria for having prediabetes or being at risk for prediabetes as determined through completing a risk screening tool.
How Do I Enroll in the DPP?
If you're enrolled in a Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM) or Blue Care Network (BCN) plan, you can apply for the DPP on the Omada Health website. You’ll hear whether you’re accepted within 48 hours. You can also get a glimpse into the Omada program.
If you're enrolled in Michigan Care, you can apply for the DPP with the Diabetes
Prevention Center (sponsored by the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan). View readysetprevent.org for more information and to enroll.
