Capital Blue Cross works to reverse diabetes

Capital Blue Cross has become the first health insurer in Pennsylvania to offer its members an innovative app that can help reverse Type 2 diabetes, according to a release issued by Jerry Reimenschneider, senior public relations specialist for Capital Blue Cross.

As part of its expanded approach to help fight diabetes, Capital Blue Cross also announced the availability of an app that helps users better manage diabetes and prevent prediabetes from progressing to Type 2.

"More than 120 million Americans are either diabetic or prediabetic," the release reads.

Both apps are free to Capital Blue Cross members with individual coverage and those with most types of employer coverage, according to the release. The apps also will be available to Medicare Advantage members starting Jan. 1, 2022.

"Diabetes takes a devastating toll on public health, so we're proud to be the first and only Pennsylvania insurer to offer a way to turn back Type 2 diabetes, as well as help prevent and control other forms of the disease," said Capital Blue Cross President and Chief Executive Officer Todd Shamash. "These cutting-edge tools go the extra mile to make our members and their communities healthier."

The Type 2-reversal app uses a personalized, sustainable nutrition plan to help reverse the condition, according to the release.

"Employing each user's distinct data, it crafts individualized diets that shift the body to a state called nutritional ketosis, in which the body primarily burns fat for fuel instead of carbohydrates. There is no calorie counting, programs are based on individual eating preferences, participants can eat until they're full, and they can follow the diets for years," the release reads.

The diabetes-management app customizes individual data based on user surveys. Users then receive devices, which may include a digital scale, blood glucose meter, and more, to connect to their apps and track their condition.

About Capital Blue Cross

Capital Blue Cross serves a 21-county region in Central Pennsylvania and the Lehigh Valley by offering health insurance products, services and technology solutions that provide peace of mind to consumers and promote health and wellness for our members, according to the release.

The company delivers innovative solutions through a family of diversified businesses to create healthier lives and lower healthcare costs. Among these solutions are patient-focused care models, leading-edge data analytics and digital health technologies.

Additionally, Capital Blue Cross Connect health and wellness centers provide in-person service and inspiration to help people reach their health goals, the release reads.

Capital Blue Cross is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.