Prevent Type 2 Diabetes Before It Starts
Join our year-long lifestyle change program and lower your risk for type 2 diabetes.
If you have pre-diabetes, you can take steps now to help prevent type 2 diabetes. The Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) is a proven way to do this. You’ll work with your doctor and our approved DPP providers to build a care plan that fits your life.
The DPP is offered by CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Community Health Plan Maryland (CareFirst CHPMD) as part of the Maryland HealthChoice program. It’s a year-long program that helps you make healthy changes to lower your risk of diabetes.
Who can join?
You may be able to join if you:
- Are a Maryland HealthChoice member between 18–64 years old
- Are overweight or obese (BMI of 25 or higher, or 23 or higher for Asian individuals)
- Have high blood sugar or had diabetes during pregnancy
- Have not been diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes
- Are not currently pregnant
How Does the Program Work?
- The program lasts one year.
- You’ll attend up to 6 meet-up sessions.
- Sessions are led by trained lifestyle coaches.
- You’ll join a group of 10–25 people for support.
What Will You Learn?
The program focuses on:
- Eating healthy foods
- Being more active
- Losing weight
Why Join?
- You can lower your risk of type 2 diabetes by up to 58%. If you’re 60 or older, the risk drops even more.
- You may also see improvements in blood pressure, cholesterol, energy and confidence.
What Does It Cost?
Many private and public insurers, including Medicare and Medicaid, cover the cost for eligible members.
How to Get Started
- Talk to your doctor or health plan: They can check if you’re eligible and connect you with a DPP provider.
- Contact CareFirst CHPMD: We can answer your questions and help you enroll.
- Ask your provider for a referral: Providers can refer eligible members through the ePREP portal.
Learn More
Visit the Maryland HealthChoice DPP page.
Approved Providers
*Note: This service is currently available to members who identify as female.