Blue Cross NC Launches Diabetes Prevention Program for Members

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) is offering a unique diabetes prevention program to help members identify, understand and conquer their pre-diabetes condition, thereby preventing a more serious and costly health situation. Using Blue Cross NC’s latest innovative solution, known as Eat Smart, Move More, Prevent Diabetes (ESMMPD), providers can connect patients with an effective program that will help them understand and overcome their current pre-diabetes from progressing into a more serious and costly condition.   

Eat Smart, Move More, Prevent Diabetes (ESMMPD) 

The easiest case of diabetes to treat is one that never occurs in the first place. Using ESMMPD, you can empower your patients with the knowledge and tools to prevent their pre-diabetes from progressing.  This lifestyle-change program is recognized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), research-based and is proven to reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.¹

Member Eligibility  

Members who have been diagnosed with pre-diabetes and those who are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes are eligible. Members can take a risk test on the ESMMPD site to see if they qualify. ESMMPD is available to fully-insured group members and IU65.  

Program Details 

• ESMMPD is a 12-month program that’s delivered in two, six-month phases.  
  • Phase one includes 18 classes, followed by another 8 classes in Phase II.  
  • Classes are offered at lunchtime or in the evening, in multiple time zones and with start dates throughout the year. View the full start-date schedule on ESMMPD's website. 
• Cost is covered by Blue Cross NC benefit programs. 
• You can encourage members to enroll in the diabetes-prevention program.  
• Refer members to the Diabetes Navigator for more information. 
  • Currently, the navigator focuses on pre-diabetes. Navigator 2.0 will eventually include diabetes and diabetes self-management education (DSME). 

Resources for Providers  

• See ESMMPD Provider FAQs (PDF). 
• To learn more about ESMMPD, visit their website.
• For Provider Support, please call 919-582-9396. 

1 Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, www.cdc.gov/diabetes/prevention/research-behind-ndpp.htm (Accessed April 2021).