WHAT IS PREDIABETES?
Prediabetes is indicated by higher-than-normal blood glucose levels, but not high enough to be
considered diabetes. Before developing type 2 diabetes, individuals usually have prediabetes. An
estimated 797,000 adult Arkansans have prediabetes and are at very high risk for developing type 2
diabetes.
Studies have shown that people with prediabetes can prevent or delay diabetes with modest weight loss, healthy eating, and increased physical activity. Diabetes Prevention Recognition Programs have been
shown to be effective and cost-effective in helping individuals with prediabetes to lose weight and
prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes.
THE DIABETES PREVENTION PROGRAM
The National Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) is a year-long program that teaches participants to
make lasting lifestyle changes—like eating healthier, adding physical activity into their daily routine, and
improving coping skills.
The CDC recognizes organizations to provide DPP as they meet certain standards and show they can
achieve results. These standards include following an approved curriculum and facilitation by a trained
Lifestyle Coach.
The Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) was a major multicenter clinical research study. The intervention involved a lifestyle change program focusing on calorie reduction and increasing physical activity to at least 150 minutes per week. Results from the study showed that this structured lifestyle change program—in which participants achieved weight loss of 5 to 7 percent of their body weight (10 to 14 pounds for a person weighing 200 pounds)—reduced the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 58 percent in adults at high risk for the disease.
A 10-year follow-up study, The Diabetes Prevention Program Outcomes Study, showed that participants were still one-third less likely to develop type 2 diabetes a decade later than individuals in placebo groups. Summaries of additional research studies can be found in CDC’s National DPP Coverage Toolkit.
ABOUT THE DIABETES PREVENTION PROGRAM (DPP)
The program includes:
- A CDC-approved curriculum with lessons, handouts, and other resources to help you make healthy changes.
- A Lifestyle Coach, specially trained to lead the program, to help you learn new skills, encourage you to set and meet goals, and keep you motivated. The coach will also facilitate discussions and help make the program fun and engaging.
- A support group of people with similar goals and challenges. Together, you can share ideas, celebrate successes, and work to overcome obstacles. In some programs, the participants stay in touch with each other during the week. It may be easier to make changes when you’re working as a group than doing it on your own.
Time Commitment
The program runs for 1 year.
- During the first 6 months of the program, you’ll meet about once a week.
- During the second 6 months, you’ll meet once or twice a month.
Delivery Method
Choose an in-person, online, distance learning, or combination lifestyle change program.
IN PERSON
Meet face to face with group members and your Lifestyle Coach. Hands-on demonstrations help with learning, and the coach will provide handouts with useful information and practice activities.
ONLINE
The program is delivered 100% online with multiple chances to interact live with the Lifestyle Coach.
DISTANCE LEARNING
Distance learning works well for participants who want group interaction but live in a remote area and can’t attend an in-person program. It’s delivered 100% by a trained Lifestyle Coach via remote classroom or telehealth.
COMBINATION
The program can be delivered as a combination of any of the program types above.
ARE YOU ELIGIBLE TO JOIN THE NATIONAL DPP LIFESTYLE CHANGE PROGRAM?
To participate, you must meet ALL 4 of these requirements:
- Be 18 years or older.
- Have a body mass index (BMI) of 25 or higher (23 or higher if you’re an Asian American person).
- Not be previously diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
- Not be pregnant.
You’ll also need to meet 1 of these requirements:
- Had a blood test result in the prediabetes range within the past year (includes any of these tests and results):
- Hemoglobin A1C: 5.7%–6.4%
- Fasting plasma glucose: 100–125 mg/dL
- 2-hour plasma glucose (after a 75g glucose load): 140–199 mg/dL.
- Be previously diagnosed with gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy).
- Received a high-risk result (score of 5 or higher) on the Prediabetes Risk Test.
If you’re enrolling in the Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program, different criteria apply. Find them here.
YOU CAN FIND OUT IF YOU ARE AT RISK BY CLICKING “TAKE THE RISK TEST.”
IF YOU ARE AT RISK, WHAT DO YOU DO NEXT?
- Talk with your healthcare provider at your next visit and get tested.
- If you have prediabetes, enroll in a National Diabetes Prevention Program Recognized Program (DPRP). These programs are effective in delaying or preventing type 2 diabetes in people with prediabetes and they are cost-effective.
Find a National Prediabetes Prevention Program near you.
