Referrals & Diabetes
WW are contracted to provide a continued weight management service to the Healthier You members and specific Tier 2 regions. We work with an expert dietician to provide this service. It is important that the referral team are contacted at the earliest opportunity via email (referrals@ww.com) so they can determine the contracts within each area. The members can of course stay at the workshop for the week that have shared their exciting news. All support throughout the members pregnancy from then onwards, will be determined by the referrals team.
WW is a science-based behavior change program that helps members lose weight through healthier eating, regular physical activity, good sleep, and a helpful mindset. As a result, WW is uniquely positioned to help people living with diabetes—an increasingly common chronic condition that disproportionately affects those with higher body weights—on their weight-loss and wellness journey. In a previous pilot of the Diabetes-tailored plan, 79% of participants stated that the plan was easy to follow, 76% said that this plan made living with diabetes easier, and 78% felt like it was tailored to people living with diabetes.
The Diabetes-tailored Points® plan gives members living with diabetes another way to live the new Points® program. Based on recommendations from the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), this plan has been tailored to the unique needs of people living with diabetes. As with all of WW's individualized food plans, the Diabetes-tailored plan leverages the new Points® system and encourages members to eat more healthy foods (like those that are rich in fiber, non-starchy veggies, lean proteins, and healthy fats) and fewer foods high in added sugar and saturated fat. Every WW member gets a personalized ZeroPoint™ food list based on the foods they enjoy eating. For members living with diabetes, higher carb options will not be ZeroPoint™ foods. And like all members, those living with diabetes have the opportunity to earn Points® for healthy behaviors. There are three ways to earn more Points—eating non-starchy vegetables, drinking water, and being active.
No. The Diabetes-tailored Points® plan will be launched as part of the new WW Points® programme. Members living with diabetes can enjoy all aspects of the new WW Points® program and have the opportunity to earn more Points by eating non-starchy vegetables, drinking water, and being active. The only difference is that members on the Diabetes-tailored plan have an individualized ZeroPoint™ foods list that takes into account not only their food preferences but also their health condition.
Once you answer 'yes' to the question, "Are you living with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes?" and complete the food preferences quiz, we will use your answers to create a personalized food plan that takes your health condition into account. We'll customize your ZeroPoint™ foods list, balanced with your Points® Budget, to ensure that it reflects your food preferences and is also appropriate for someone living with diabetes. This means that foods that are higher in carbohydrates (e.g. fruit, oatmeal, dairy) will not be on your ZeroPoint™ foods list as they can raise your blood sugar more than other types of food. We're making this Points® plan even more tailored to you!
If one of your WW goals is to better manage your diabetes with sustainable behavioral changes (e.g., healthy eating and being active) and weight loss, then you might consider switching to the Diabetes-tailored Points® plan, which is specifically customized to help you establish healthy habits as a person living with diabetes. Our Diabetes-tailored Points® plan provides a personalized ZeroPoint™ foods list that takes into consideration both your unique food preferences and that you are living with diabetes. Foods that are higher in carbohydrates (e.g., fruit, oatmeal, dairy) will not be on your ZeroPoint™ foods list as they can raise your blood sugar more than foods that are lower in carbohydrates such as non-starchy vegetables, healthy fats, and lean proteins.
Yes! Our scientifically-proven Points® system is designed to guide everyone towards foods that are higher in fiber, protein, and unsaturated fat and lower in added sugar and saturated fat. No one plan is healthier than another. The personalized ZeroPoint™ foods on the Diabetes-tailored plan are part of a healthy pattern of eating designed for people living with diabetes.
No. All WW members pay the same price for their WW membership, regardless of which food plan they are on.
The Diabetes-tailored Points® plan is available for members living with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Members living with prediabetes or gestational diabetes are currently not included in the Diabetes-tailored Points® plan, as there is less research in these populations. We always recommend consulting with your doctor before starting any weight loss program.
Yes! We always recommend consulting with your doctor before starting any weight loss program. This is especially important for people living with diabetes who may be taking insulin or other blood sugar-lowering medications, as weight loss may affect your medication dosage.
With the new WW Points® Program, your ZeroPoint™ foods list is customized for YOU. Instead of three plans, there are now over 50 different ZeroPoint™ foods list options for people living with diabetes! Your ZeroPoint™ foods list is based on the foods you enjoy, and not everyone enjoys the same foods. Your personalized ZeroPoint™ foods list, balanced with your Points® Budget, is designed to help you lose weight and manage your blood sugar.
Yes. Your personalized ZeroPoint™ foods list is balanced with your Points® Budget. It is designed to help you lose weight and manage your blood sugar.
No! Our scientifically-proven Points® system is designed to guide everyone towards foods that are higher in fiber, protein, and unsaturated fat (the good-for-you fats!) and lower in added sugar and saturated fat. No one plan is healthier than another. The personalized ZeroPoint™ foods on the diabetes-tailored plan are part of a healthy pattern of eating designed for people living with diabetes. They were specifically selected by our nutrition and diabetes experts because they are lower in carbohydrates and less likely to raise your blood sugar.
With the Diabetes-tailored PersonalPoints™ plan, your ZeroPoint™ foods list is personalized for you. Instead of fitting into one of three plans, now there are more than 50 different ZeroPoint™ foods list options for people living with diabetes - so the plan fits into your lifestyle! Your ZeroPoint™ foods list is based on the foods you enjoy eating. A longer list of ZeroPoint™ foods might mean a lower PersonalPoints™ Budget and a shorter list of ZeroPoint™ foods might mean a higher PersonalPoints™ Budget. That's why your list might look different than someone else's.
Once you take the food preferences quiz and indicate that you are living with diabetes, we will use your answers to create a personalized ZeroPoint™ foods list. Your ZeroPoint™ foods list will only include foods from categories that you enjoy eating AND that are appropriate for people living with diabetes. This means that higher carbohydrate food groups like fruit, oatmeal, dairy, and whole grains will not be included in your ZeroPoint™ foods list, even if you enjoy eating these foods.
Foods that are higher in carbohydrates have the potential to raise blood sugar levels, which is a primary concern for people living with diabetes. That's why higher carbohydrate food groups like fruit, oatmeal, dairy, and whole grains are not ZeroPoint™ foods on the Diabetes-tailored Points® plan.
Yes! Some ZeroPoint™ foods on the Diabetes-tailored Points® plan do contain carbohydrates, like beans, peas, and lentils. However, these foods are less likely to raise your blood sugar than other carbohydrate-containing foods.
Fruit is a nutritious food and is part of a healthy pattern of eating as recommended by experts worldwide, including for people living with diabetes. However, fruit contains natural sugars (fructose) that have the potential to raise blood sugar levels. That's why it's not a ZeroPoint™ food for those living with diabetes. Keep in mind that on WW, all foods are on the menu. Even though fruit isn't on your ZeroPoint™ foods list, you can incorporate it into your eating plan. Just use the Points® values and your Budget to guide you.
All foods are on the menu on WW, including foods not on your ZeroPoint™ foods list such as fruit, dairy, oatmeal, and whole grains. Just use the Points® values and your Budget to guide you. The American Diabetes Association recommends distributing carbohydrate intake throughout the day rather than having large amounts at one time. This can help with blood sugar management. If you have questions about how to incorporate carbohydrates into your diet, you should consult with your healthcare provider or registered dietitian.
Yes! Frozen and canned fruits and vegetables can be just as healthy as fresh fruits and vegetables. When buying canned or frozen foods, look for options that do not have added sugar or salt. Keep in mind that fruit is not a ZeroPoint™ food on the Diabetes-tailored Points® plan, but non-starchy vegetables are still a ZeroPoint™ food.
Dairy foods like nonfat milk, yogurt and cottage cheese are part of a healthy pattern of eating as recommended by experts internationally. However, they also have the potential to cause blood sugar to rise, due to their sugar content. That's why it's not a ZeroPoint™ food for those living with diabetes. Keep in mind that on WW, all foods are on the menu. Even though foods like dairy and non-dairy alternatives aren't on your ZeroPoint™ foods list, you can incorporate them into your eating plan. Just use the Points® values and your Budget to guide you.
Starchy vegetables such as potatoes and corn are part of a healthy pattern of eating as recommended by experts worldwide. However, they have the potential to impact blood sugar levels. That's why it's not a ZeroPoint™ food for those living with diabetes. Keep in mind that on WW, all foods are on the menu. Even though starchy vegetables aren't on your ZeroPoint™ foods list, you can incorporate them into your eating plan. Just use the Points® values and your Budget to guide you.
Beans, peas, and lentils provide a source of plant-based protein and are a recommended part of a healthy eating pattern for people living with diabetes. As a source of protein, fiber and carbohydrate, beans, peas, and lentils are less likely to impact blood sugar when compared to other sources of carbohydrates. That's why all fresh, canned, cooked, or dry peas, beans, lentils, chickpeas, and lupines are included in this ZeroPoint™ food category.
Whole grains, such as brown rice, brown pasta, quinoa, oatmeal and other grains are part of a healthy pattern of eating as recommended by experts worldwide, including for people living with diabetes. However, they have the potential to impact blood sugar levels. That's why they're not a ZeroPoint™ food for those living with diabetes. Keep in mind that on WW, all foods are on the menu. Even though whole grains aren't on your ZeroPoint™ foods list, you can incorporate them into your eating plan. Just use the Points® values and your Budget to guide you.
Not necessarily. Our Coaches are trained to support all WW members, including those living with diabetes. However, you may find a Coach who also lives with diabetes and can share their personal experience with you.
Not necessarily. WW Workshops are open to all members, regardless of which food plan they are on. You may find other members living with diabetes in your Workshop, or you may not. Either way, our Coaches are trained to support all members.
No, checking your blood sugar levels is not required to participate in the Diabetes-tailored Points® plan. However, we do recommend that you work with your healthcare provider to monitor your blood sugar levels, especially if you are taking insulin or other blood sugar-lowering medications.
Managing low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) takes priority over your Points® Budget. If you are experiencing low blood sugar, treat it immediately. Refer to our hypoglycemia FAQ for guidance on how to manage low blood sugar. Once your blood sugar is back in range, you can return to your daily routine.
If you are experiencing high blood sugar, it is important to follow the guidance of your healthcare provider. Earning additional Points® does not mean you should eat more if your blood sugar is already high. If you are experiencing high blood sugar frequently, consult your healthcare provider.
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition in which the body's immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas. People with type 1 diabetes must take insulin every day to survive. Type 1 diabetes accounts for approximately 5-10% of all diabetes cases.
Diabetes is when there is too much sugar (from the food we eat) in the bloodstream. Insulin is a hormone that the body uses to control the level of sugar in the blood. When people have type 2 diabetes, their bodies are no longer able to use insulin effectively. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes.
Risk factors for type 2 diabetes include: family history, history of cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, living with overweight or obesity, and physical inactivity. Social determinants of health such as poor access to healthcare, healthy food, and safe places to engage in physical activity also plays a significant role in why indigenous and other people of color as well as individuals with low income are at greater risk for type 2 diabetes. WW believes that healthy living is a human right and our science-backed behavior change program is designed to help as many people as possible live healthier lives.
Diabetes is diagnosed through blood tests that measure blood sugar levels. The most common tests are the fasting blood glucose test, the HbA1c test, and the oral glucose tolerance test. A diagnosis of diabetes is typically made when blood sugar levels are consistently above normal ranges. Always consult your healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis.
Blood glucose, also known as blood sugar, is the main sugar found in your blood. It comes from the food you eat and is your body's main source of energy. Your blood carries glucose to all of your body's cells to use for energy. The hormone insulin helps glucose get into your cells.
Blood sugar targets can vary from person to person. The American Diabetes Association recommends the following blood sugar targets for many non-pregnant adults with diabetes: before a meal (preprandial): 80–130 mg/dL; 1–2 hours after the beginning of a meal (postprandial): less than 180 mg/dL. Always consult your healthcare provider for your personal blood sugar targets.
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) may be caused by several things, such as what you eat and drink (including alcohol) and the amount of activity you do. The American Diabetes Association suggests that if you are experiencing low blood sugar, have something that provides 15 grams of carbohydrate, such as 3-4 glucose tablets, ½ cup orange juice, or 1 tablespoon of honey to help raise blood sugar quickly. Stick with these portions to avoid over-correcting blood sugar. Wait 15 minutes, and check your blood sugar again to see if it's in range. If you are experiencing low blood sugar frequently, it is important to consult your healthcare provider.
High blood sugar (hyperglycemia) may be caused by several things, such as what you eat and drink, not being active, and even stress. Check your blood sugar according to instructions from your healthcare provider. If you are experiencing high blood sugar frequently, it is important to consult your healthcare provider.
WW is not a medical treatment and cannot cure diabetes. However, research has shown that weight loss and healthy lifestyle changes can help improve blood sugar management and may reduce the need for diabetes medications in some people with type 2 diabetes. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your diabetes management plan.
You can find carbohydrate information for foods in the WW app. Search for a food, tap it, and enter the portion size. Then scroll down to see its Nutritional Information. You will see a line for carbohydrates. This amount will adjust accordingly as you change the portion size.
Many restaurants provide nutritional information, including carbohydrate counts, on their menus or websites. You can also search for restaurant foods in the WW app, which includes nutritional information for many popular restaurant items.
No, the WW app does not yet have the functionality to track total carbohydrate intake. However, you can locate individual carbohydrate counts for each item. To do so, search for a food, tap it, and enter the portion size. Then scroll down to see its Nutritional Information. You will see a line for carbohydrates. This amount will adjust accordingly as you change the portion size.
Outside of entering each of the ingredients individually and then adding them up, this feature is not yet available in the current WW app. We welcome your feedback on specific app features or functionality that would be helpful to you as someone living with diabetes. Please feel free to call customer service or use the 24/7 chat to provide feedback and suggestions.
This feature is not yet available in the current WW app. We welcome your feedback on specific app features or functionality that would be helpful to you as someone living with diabetes. Please feel free to call customer service or use the 24/7 chat to provide feedback and suggestions.