PATH is introducing a new program in 2022 to help delay and/or prevent the onset of Type 2 and prediabetes. Prediabetes is a serious health condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough for a Type 2 diabetes diagnosis. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 88 million American adults — more than 1 in 3 — have prediabetes, and more than 84 percent of them are unaware they have it. Prediabetes puts you at greater risk for developing Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke.

PATH participants can complete a survey to determine if they qualify to be part of Transform for Prediabetes or can qualify based on their on-site screening results and/or Health Check assessment answers. Virgin Pulse sent an email Jan. 14 with a survey link to determine your eligibility. If you missed the email or simply haven’t completed the survey yet, go to your Benefits Page on PATH, and click VP Transform for Prediabetes.

If you’re eligible and enroll, you’ll receive the following:

• Regular check-ins with a health coach.
• Digital scale to help you meet the goal of a 5-to-7-percent reduction in body weight.
• Fitbit Tracker to log physical activity, with a goal of 150 minutes/week.
• Access to the Transform app including tools like meal tracking and weekly lessons.

“Transform for Diabetes is another way PATH focuses on prevention by helping people address health concerns before they significantly impact their well-being,” explains Lauren Blackburn, PDRMA Wellness Consultant. “If you have prediabetes, you’ll learn about the lifestyle changes you can make to prevent or delay developing Type 2 diabetes. And PATH offers you the one-on-one help and resources you need to be successful.”

What causes prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes?

Genetics play a role in developing prediabetes and/or Type 2 diabetes. But there are actions you can take to reduce your risk. You can make lifestyle changes and monitor your blood sugar levels with your doctor to manage prediabetes successfully and keep it from becoming Type 2 diabetes. If you already have Type 2 diabetes, lifestyle changes and careful glucose monitoring can help ensure you don’t develop long-term complications from the disease.

Although there are a few different types of diabetes (Type 1, Type 2, gestational, prediabetes) the basic problem is the same for all of them — the body is unable to produce or respond to insulin as it should, so it can’t metabolize carbohydrates. The result is elevated sugar levels in your blood and urine.

Prediabetes — as the name implies — develops before Type 2 diabetes. You can have prediabetes for years without specific symptoms, so it often goes undetected until you develop Type 2 diabetes or more serious health problems. Transform for Prediabetes is a great way to reverse prediabetes through early identification, lifestyle changes and careful monitoring.

If you haven’t completed the Virgin Pulse survey, be sure to go to your Benefits Page on PATH, and click VP Transform for Prediabetes to see if you qualify to participate.