Diabetes Prevention Program

Higher than normal blood sugar, or prediabetes, affects up to one in three Americans – and many of them don't know it. Prediabetes makes a person more likely to develop type 2 diabetes within five years, and raises the risk of other serious health problems such as heart attack and stroke.

The good news is that in many cases diabetes and other health problems can be delayed or prevented through modest lifestyle changes like eating a healthier diet and increasing physical activity. And you don't have to do it alone. U-M health plan members who meet eligibility criteria can join a Diabetes Prevention Program developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), with no out-of-pocket cost:

Steps Toward Better Health

1. Take a short quiz about your risk factors.

To determine if you are at risk for prediabetes, take a "Do you have prediabetes?" quiz about your risk factors. Or watch a one-minute video that walks you through the quiz.

(Video sponsored by the American Diabetes Association, American Heart Association, American Medical Association, the the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in partnership with the AdCouncil. Visit a Do I have prediabetes? web page for more information.)

2. Talk to your doctor.

If you score 5 or higher on the quiz, talk to your doctor about prediabetes. Your doctor might suggest that you get an A1C blood sugar test to check for prediabetes. An A1C test result between 5.7 and 6.4% indicates prediabetes. (For more information about prediabetes and diabetes, you may want to view the CDC's Imagine You Preventing Type 2 Diabetes video series.)

3. Join a Diabetes Prevention Program.

If you score 5 or higher on the quiz, or your A1C test indicates you have prediabetes, join a like-minded community to find support for a healthy lifestyle and reduce health risks. 

Get Connected 

For U-M Premier Care, Community Blue PPO, Comprehensive Major Medical, Consumer-Directed Health Plan, and GradCare members:

View the U-M/Omada Diabetes Prevention Program web page to begin. U-M has partnered with BCBSM and Omada Health to deliver the CDC-recognized Diabetes Prevention Program to eligible health-plan members in a safe and secure manner. The online program connects you with a coach and a cohort of others who are at risk for or have prediabetes. Participants work through the curriculum at their own pace. 

Below is additional information about the Omada Diabetes Prevention Program:

  • Curriculum: 16 weekly, interactive lessons followed by eight monthly lessons and ongoing education for up to 24 months.

  • Location: Anywhere with a connection to the internet.

  • Facilitator: Each cohort is assigned a personal health coach.

  • Group size: 12-18 people are assigned to each cohort.

  • Additional features: Each participant receives a free digital, wireless scale synced to a private account, online small group support and 24/7 online program access.

  • Activity can be tracked on many fitness apps, on the Omada mobile app, or via a pedometer, which Omada will supply upon request.

  • Minimum starting BMI: 24 or higher.

Get an idea of what to expect by viewing the U-M/Omada website, connect by emailing [email protected] or call (888) 409-8687.

Eligibility

You are eligible to join a Diabetes Prevention Program with no out-of-pocket cost if you meet all of the following criteria:

  • You have U-M health plan coverage through BCBSM or BCN.

  • You are 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 have completed a screening test on the U-M/Omada website, and it has been determined that you have prediabetes or are at significant risk for prediabetes.

If you are not currently eligible for benefits that cover the Diabetes Prevention Program, MHealthy offers a wide range of programs to employees and spouses/other qualified adults to support healthy lifestyle changes targeting nutrition and physical activity. MHealthy also offers a Diabetes Resources and Information web page.

Questions?

For questions about eligibility or using this benefit through your U-M health plan, please contact customer service at the number on the back of your plan ID card.

For more information about additional programs to help you lose weight and improve your health and wellness, contact MHealthy.