‘Tis the season for new year’s resolutions. You know you have a few, whether they’re health-, money- or family-related.

About six in 10 people create new year’s resolutions each year. Although statistics vary, the majority of goal-setters tend to abandon those resolutions by mid- to late-January. And many make the same resolutions year after year without success.

Hone Your Habit

Instead of creating lofty resolutions, experts encourage you to establish productive, day-to-day habits. While resolutions tend to be endgames – “I want to lose 20 pounds” – without plans to get there, habits are the hands-on work.

Shawn Sieg, U-M Information Technology Integration Coordinator, has created several habits to get healthier as he prepares for a future knee replacement. He rides his bike frequently, chooses healthy food options like yogurt over sweets, and is diligent about his water intake.

Through these habits and the guidance of U-M/Omada Health’s Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP), Sieg has lost 12 pounds since Sept. 1. When he has a question about nutrition, exercise or motivation, he consults his success coach. If he’s having a tough day, his online support group is there. And Omada’s real-time tracking tools record his nutrition and activity levels to keep him on course.

Reverse the Prediabetes Preview

The DPP was designed for people who have prediabetes – or a higher-than-normal blood sugar level that isn’t high enough to be type 2 diabetes. By adopting better habits, such as establishing a healthy weight, improving nutrition and moving more, you can lessen the chance of prediabetes developing into type 2 diabetes.

Since the DPP began Sept. 1, 181 U-M employees have lost a collective 843 pounds. Experts say habits that incorporate a group of like-minded people are the most likely to be successful. In other words, lean on your circle to reinforce those habits you’re trying to create.

Enroll for a Healthier 2021

You’re eligible for the DPP if:

• You have U-M health plan coverage through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM) or Blue Care Network of Michigan (BCN).
• 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.

How do I enroll in the DPP?

Apply on the Omada website. You’ll hear whether you’re accepted within 48 hours. 

You can also get a look at how the program works.

Michigan Care DPP Coming in January

If you enrolled in U-M’s new Michigan Care health plan, sign up for UHR News for information about a second diabetes prevention program option. The university will launch the program in partnership with the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan in early January. More details will be available soon.