What is Prediabetes?
With prediabetes, blood glucose levels are higher than normal. But they’re not yet high enough for a diabetes diagnosis. It’s possible you may even have symptoms of diabetes. If you think you could have prediabetes, check with your doctor to see if you should get tested. You can use some of the questions below to guide your conversation. In these situations, knowledge is power—the power to change things.
What Do I Ask the Doctor?
When you visit the doctor, it helps to have questions written down ahead of time. You can also ask a family member or friend to go with you to take notes. It may help to come prepared with a list of questions at your next appointment. Here are a few to get you started.
- Do you recommend that I get tested for prediabetes or type 2 diabetes?
- What are the warning signs and symptoms of type 2 diabetes?
- Can you give me some tips for preventing type 2 diabetes?
- If I'm overweight, how much weight do I need to lose to lower my risk?
- What are some healthy ways to lose weight and keep it off?
- What changes can I make to my diet to help delay or prevent type 2 diabetes?
Are You at Risk?
Approximately 1 in 3 Americans has prediabetes, but more than 80% don’t know they have it. Take the CDC Risk Test
Source: CDC
If I’m at Risk, is Type 2 Diabetes Inevitable?
If you do have prediabetes, it doesn’t mean you’ll develop type 2 diabetes. Especially if you follow a treatment plan and make changes to your lifestyle. That can include smarter food choices and making movement a daily habit. Even small changes can have a huge impact on delaying or preventing diabetes.
Find a Doctor
Use the CareFirst Find a Doctor tool to search for care providers in our network. Filter by location, specialty, gender and more.
CloseKnit
Sometimes a virtual appointment works best with your schedule. With CloseKnit, you can schedule a doctor’s visit and use your phone, computer or tablet to talk to a provider. You can even chat with a nutritionist and get tips on food choices and healthy meal preparation.
Steps to Prevent Diabetes
Go, you! If you’re reading this, you’re already on your way to preventing type 2 diabetes. Here are some small, practical steps that you can take to support a healthy lifestyle.
Starting Point
Assess what needs to change and plan new routines to make it happen.
First Stop
Set a weight loss goal in partnership with your doctor.1
Second Stop
Make a nutrition plan for healthy eating.
Keep Moving
Set a physical activity goal for healthy movement.
Track Your Progress
Celebrate successes and keep track of your goals.
Prepare for the Long Run
Recognize the support you have to keep you going.
Changing any habit or behavior is challenging. But with small daily steps towards your goals, you can start to make living healthy a lifestyle and not a phase. Here are some resources to take charge of your health:
Programs for a Healthy Weight
Because learning styles and preferences vary from person to person, we’re thrilled to offer two science-based diabetes prevention programs2 at no cost to CareFirst members. Both programs feature a mindfulness approach to behavior change to help you achieve a healthier weight, which can reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Find out if you’re at risk and eligible to participate by taking a quick online assessment. Log in to or sign up for CareFirst WellBeing. Once logged in, select You followed by Benefits. Next, click Health & Fitness to view the program descriptions.
Low-Cost Fitness and Healthy Meals
Stay healthy and save money too with Blue365. Blue365 delivers great discounts from top national and local retailers. Get deals on fitness gear, gym memberships, family activities, healthy eating options and much more.
Free Healthy Recipes
Looking to make healthier choices in the kitchen but not sure where to start? The CareFirst Health Library by Staywell has done all the work for you. They have a list of curated recipes for anyone living with diabetes. Recipes focus on lean proteins, healthy fats and non-starchy fruits and vegetables.
Get Help to Quit Smoking
Smoking is a risk factor for serious health problems, including diabetes. There are plenty of free resources and support available online or by phone to help you quit. If you’re a CareFirst member, you also have access to online programs and support through CareFirst WellBeing, your wellness program.
1 Subject to applicable cost-sharing (deductible, copay, coinsurance).
2 Not available for Individual health plan members. Members need to meet clinical eligibility criteria to be eligible for the weight management programs. These services are administered by Sharecare, Inc. or Noom, independent companies which provide health improvement management services to CareFirst members. Sharecare, Inc. and Noom do not provide CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield products or services and are solely responsible for the health improvement management services they provide.
Living with Diabetes
A diabetes diagnosis will change your life, that’s certain. But with willpower and wellness resources, it can change for the better. Managing type 2 diabetes comes down to healthy living. Here are some health tips and resources, available to you as a CareFirst member.
Weight Management Programs
Because maintaining a healthy weight is key to overall health, we offer our members the choice of two psychology-based weight management programs1 at no cost. Both programs feature a mindfulness approach to behavior change to help you achieve and sustain a healthier weight.
See which program is right for you. Log in to or sign up for CareFirst WellBeing. Once logged in, select You followed by Benefits. Next, click Health & Fitness to view the program descriptions.
Take the Call
You may receive a phone call invitation from Onduo, CareFirst’s diabetes program provider. We encourage you to take the call to learn more about the program(s) and how you can take advantage of this personal support. This service is voluntary, confidential and included with your CareFirst benefits.
Want to find support groups and resources in your neighborhood?
Low-Cost Fitness and Healthy Meals
Eating well and moving your body daily are important ways you can manage diabetes. And we’re here to help you every step of the way.
Blue 365 Discount Program
Stay healthy and save money too with Blue365. Blue365 delivers great discounts from top national and local retailers. Get deals on fitness gear, gym memberships, family activities, healthy eating options and much more.
Free Healthy Recipes
Looking to make healthier choices in the kitchen but not sure where to start? The CareFirst Health Library by Staywell has done all the work for you. They have a list of curated recipes for anyone living with diabetes. Recipes focus on lean proteins, healthy fats and non-starchy fruits and vegetables.
The Diabetes Plate Method
Planning meals can feel like a second job sometimes. And that’s without the added challenge of finding meals that help manage your diabetes. Using The Diabetes Plate Method, you can create perfectly portioned meals. The method focuses on creating a plate with a healthy balance of vegetables, protein and carbohydrates—without any counting, calculating, weighing or measuring.
And once you’ve got the Plate Method down, check out these tasty plates from the American Diabetes Association for some meal planning inspiration!
Get Free Coaching and Virtual Support
Diabetes Management Coaching Program
Extra support for members with type 1 or type 2 diabetes
The Diabetes Management Coaching program1 features one-on-one phone-based coaching sessions with a registered nurse specially trained in diabetes.
The type of support you receive can include:
- Personalized counseling—Your coach will answer your questions, discuss your risks and suggest possible lifestyle changes.
- Educational materials—Based on conversations between you and your coach, you may receive additional information to better understand your treatment, medications, health risks and more
- Support and encouragement—Your coach will help you set or adjust your goals, track your progress and encourage you along the way.
- Online tools—You also have access to well-being tools and services including nutrition and fitness tracking tools.
Get Started Now
To learn more about the coaching program, or to join, call 877-260-3253 and press option 7.
Diabetes Virtual Care Program
Support for members who need help stabilizing their type 2 diabetes
Provided by Onduo2, a leading diabetes management company, the Diabetes Virtual Care program3 offers personalized support, easy-to-use tools and access to certified diabetes educators through a mobile app.
The program provides you with the care and support you may need in between your doctor visits such as:
- Testing supplies and connected devices—Receive a welcome kit with a connected blood glucose meter and unlimited test strips shipped right to your door. Supply refills are available at no additional cost.
- Personalized one-on-one virtual coaching—Get answers to your diabetes-related questions. You can also chat with your personal care lead to set up a plan to improve your nutrition, start an exercise program, or meet a health goal.
- Virtual doctor visits—Schedule a telehealth visit with an endocrinologist or certified diabetes educator, as needed, to receive personal recommendations and guidance to manage any symptoms. We’ll take care of coordinating information with your doctor.
Interested? Eligible members will be contacted about joining the program.
Additional Resources and Support
See a Doctor 24/7/365
With CloseKnit, you can schedule a doctor’s visit and use your phone, computer or tablet to talk to a provider. You can get mental health or medical support when and where you need it.
24-Hour Nurse Advice Line
You can reach a registered nurse 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call 800-535-9700
Behavioral Health Digital Resource
The CareFirst Behavioral Health Digital Resource, can help you get the emotional care you need, when you need it, 24/7. And it’s available at no cost to you, as a member.
Helping your child with type 1 diabetes
1 Not available for Individual health plan members. Members need to meet clinical eligibility criteria to be eligible for the weight management programs. These services are administered by Sharecare, Inc. or Noom, independent companies which provide health improvement management services to CareFirst members. Sharecare, Inc. and Noom do not provide CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield products or services and are solely responsible for the health improvement management services they provide.
2This program is provided by Onduo, LLC an independent company that does not provide Blue Cross Blue Shield products or services.
3Members must be referred into the program by CareFirst or their physician. Not available for CFA/FEP PPO/Medicare Supplement/Advantage members.
Diabetes Medication and Supplies
Enhanced Benefit for Members with Diabetes
On eligible plans, $0 cost share on insulin and diabetes supplies
Living with a chronic condition like diabetes can be overwhelming. And the cost of insulin and supplies can add up. CareFirst includes enhanced diabetes benefits as part of most medical plans. On eligible plans, members pay $0 for preferred brand insulin and diabetic supplies. That’s even before they’ve met their deductible. This includes members with an HSA-qualified high deductible health plan (HDHP).1
Supplies covered include:
- Diabetes test strips
- Diabetes supplies
- Continuous glucose monitors and supplies
- Disposable insulin pumps
Want to find out which specific insulin and diabetic supplies your plan covers? Log in to My Account, select Coverage and Drug and Pharmacy Resources.
1This benefit is available to CareFirst members with fully insured group or individual plans and select self-insured groups.
Diabetes in Pregnancy
Some people have diabetes before they get pregnant. This is called pregestational diabetes. Other people may get a type of diabetes that only happens in pregnancy. This is called gestational diabetes. Pregnancy can change how a person's body uses glucose. This can make diabetes worse or lead to gestational diabetes. Here’s what you need to know:
- Overweight people are more likely to have gestational diabetes.
- Gestational diabetes is more common in people who had gestational diabetes during a prior pregnancy, or who have a family member with type 2 diabetes.
- Multifetal pregnancies (twins, triplets, and so on) have higher rates of gestational diabetes.
- Gestational diabetes often occurs without the classic symptoms of diabetes- many people don’t know they have it until they get tested.
