Diabetes Prevention Program

Service Description

The Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) is a proven, community-based lifestyle intervention designed for adults with prediabetes (Diabetes Prevention Program Research Group, 2002). Its primary goal is to help participants adopt sustainable lifestyle habits that improve overall health and substantially reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Clinical trials and long-term studies have shown that participants typically lose 5% to 7% of their body weight and increase their physical activity through a structured 12-month program (Diabetes Prevention Program Research Group, 2002; Knowler et al., 2009). The DPP uses the PreventT2 lifestyle change program, part of the National Diabetes Prevention Program led by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2021). This evidence-based approach empowers participants to make incremental lifestyle changes that can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes by over 50% (Diabetes Prevention Program Research Group, 2002). The National Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) aims to make affordable, high-quality lifestyle change programs accessible to people with prediabetes, helping them lower their risk of type 2 diabetes and improve overall well-being (CDC, 2021). All CDC-recognized lifestyle change programs follow a CDC-approved curriculum, covering the same core topics throughout the year (CDC, 2021). However, lifestyle coaches tailor sessions to the unique backgrounds, interests, and needs of each group. Health outcomes • Participants who lost 5–7% of their body weight and engaged in at least 150 minutes of exercise per week reduced their risk of developing type 2 diabetes by up to 58%—and by 71% for those over age 60 (Diabetes Prevention Program Research Group, 2002). • A decade later, participants remained one-third less likely to develop type 2 diabetes compared to those who did not enroll in a program (Knowler et al., 2009). • Participation has also been shown to lower the risk of heart attack and stroke, boost energy levels, improve overall health, and even reverse a prediabetes diagnosis (Diabetes Prevention Program Research Group, 2002; CDC, 2021). Delivered by: Registered Nurse Lifestyle Coach Program type: Group Format: In-person in a community setting or online Length: 1 year (Weekly meetings for the first 6 months, monthly or bimonthly meetings for the last six months.) Topic(s): • Chronic Conditions • Medication Management • Diet & Nutrition • Exercise & Fitness • Stress Management & Coping