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: support@themedicarenation.com. 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: support@themedicarenation.com Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this podcast, please subscribe and leave a 5 star rating and review in iTunes! (Click here)     Find out more information about Medicare on Diane Daniel’s website! www.CallSamm.com