The Diabetes Prevention Program is now reimbursable as a weight loss management program.
Employees insured through Carefirst and United Healthcare can be reimbursed up to $150 annually for employee/retiree and enrolled spouses.
How do I share this information? Download a PDF
here!
Let's start with what it's not. It's not a fad diet or exercise class.
The Diabetes Prevention Program is a year-long
lifestyle change program developed specifically to prevent type 2 diabetes. Recognized by the Center's for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it's designed for people who have
prediabetes or are
at risk for
type 2 diabetes but have not been diagnosed with diabetes.
In the first six-months of the program you'll meet weekly to learn to:
- Eat healthy without giving up all the foods you love
- Add physical activity to your life, even if you don't think you have time
- Deal with stress
- Cope with challenges that can derail your hard work like how to choose healthy food when eating out
- Get back on track if you stray from your plan because everyone slips now and then
In the second six-months of the program you'll meet monthly to enhance the new skills you've learned so you can maintain the changes you've made. The lifestyle coach and small group will continue to support you.
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There are two requirements for eligibility:
- You subscribe to Carefirst or United Healthcare.
- You have
prediabetes or a high risk for developing type 2 diabetes.
Not sure if you have either condition? Start with this online
quiz. If your risk is high, talk to your healthcare provider about getting a blood sugar test.
If you have already been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, please join a
Diabetes Self Management Program. Note: This class is not yet reimbursable. Cost varies by location. Some locations offer the program free of charge.
A year might seem like a big commitment, but developing new habits and changing your lifestyle takes time. Highly motivated and trained lifestyle coaches lead the program, which can be completed in-person or online. The program is effective, fun and the benefits extend beyond diabetes prevention.
Here's what participants have said about the program:
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"I've tried a lot of different diets and nothing has ever stuck. This seems to be sticking." -- Tim, online participant
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"Having a group of people with the same goals as me really motivated me to jump start healthy lifestyle changes." -- Phyllis, 52
Learn about the DPP from Eddie Carman, a Maryland firefighter:
