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Network Health Launching Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program

blood sugar  monitor and diabetes patient testing

Diabetes Prevention Program by Network Health Launches

One out of three people has a high blood sugar level and is considered prediabetic. Normal blood sugar levels are less than 100 mg/dL after fasting for at least eight hours. Ninety percent of the prediabetic population doesn’t know they have it because they exhibit little or no diabetic symptoms.

Prediabetes is a condition that occurs when blood glucose levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. It puts the individual at an increased risk for developing Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke.

Without lifestyle changes, as many as 30 percent of people with prediabetes will develop Type 2 diabetes within five years. Diabetes is a debilitating, costly disease, resulting in approximately $7,900 in additional medical costs per person annually.

Fortunately, research shows that people with prediabetes can lower their risk for Type 2 diabetes by more than 50 percent with simple lifestyle changes like exercise and eating a balanced diet.

The American Diabetes Association has created a simple seven-question quiz that can identify whether or not you are at risk for diabetes. The results should be discussed with your personal doctor while planning for future health care needs.

In 2019, Network Health is initiating an evidence-based program to help our Medicare members prevent diabetes. The Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program focuses on decreasing the progression of prediabetes into Type 2 diabetes by empowering prediabetics to take steps to lower their risk. For more information on this program, contact the Network Health Wellness Department at 1-800-826-0940.

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