Welcome, Medicare Nation! Today's topic is Diabetes Prevention, based on the expansion of a pilot program instituted by the CMS (Centers for Medicare/ Medicaid Services). I'll be explaining the program's components and the results. Join me!

What you'll hear in this episode:

• Statistics about diabetes:
• • There are currently more than 30 million Americans with Type 2 diabetes.
  • There are TWO deaths every FIVE minutes from diabetes!
  • There are 86 million Americans at a high risk of developing diabetes.
  • One out of three adults have "pre-diabetes," which means they have higher than normal (normal is <100) blood glucose levels and are at an increased risk to develop diabetes within the next ten years.
  • The sad fact is that most diabetes cases ARE preventable!

 

• Basics of the Diabetes Prevention Program:
• • The DPP began in 2011, when the US Department of Health and Human Services provided, through the Affordable Care Act, $11.8 million for the pilot program to be administered by the YMCA.
  • The program included weekly meetings with lifestyle coaches for dietary and behavioral changes, and monthly follow-up meetings.
  • The target was for each participant to achieve 5% weight loss, which was accomplished. That is enough to substantially reduce the diabetes risk!
  • About 80% of the program participants attended at least 4 weekly meetings.

 

• Results of the Diabetes Prevention Program:
• • The 5% weight loss goal was reached.
  • The estimated healthcare cost savings per participant, when compared to those NOT enrolled in the program, was $2650.
  • The Dept. of Health and Human Services wants to invest in programs like this, because of the cost savings and the improved health.
  • The program's success is relevant to Medicare, employers, and insurers.
  • The pilot program will now be expanded to benefit more people, and be put in place by January, 2018.
  • The expansion program will include 16 intensive core group sessions, focusing on nutrition, physical activity, and behavior changes (with follow-up sessions also).

 

• Ideal eligibility factors for participants:
• • A BMI (body mass index) of 25 or higher (23 for Asians)
  • Hemoglobin ANC-1 level of 5.7-6.4%
  • Fasting glucose level of 110-125
  • Glucose tolerance test level of 140-199
• Visit www.callsamm.com to take the quiz to assess YOUR diabetes risk. Remember, PREVENTION is always the best medicine! If you have questions about Medicare, email me: [email protected]. Hey-our ONE YEAR anniversary is coming up next week! Visit our website to help us celebrate and record your message about how the show has helped you. I would love to play those on the show as we celebrate together!

 

Do you have questions or feedback? I'd love to hear it!

I may answer one of your questions on the air!

email me:

[email protected]

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www.CallSamm.com