DIABETES PREVENTION PROGRAM

Prediabetes

According to national statistics, it is likely that one-third of adults in the United States have prediabetes and nine out of 10 of those individuals do not know they are at risk for developing Type 2 Diabetes.

The nationally accredited Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) is an evidence-based, cost effective, year-long lifestyle change program that has been proven to cut the risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes by more than half. This program focuses on prevention through healthy eating and physical activity. The main goals of the program are achieving 5-7% weight loss and 150 minutes of physical activity per week, aiming to lower the risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes, heart attack, and stroke.

A randomized, controlled clinical trial showed that completing the Diabetes Prevention Program reduced participants’ chances of developing Type 2 Diabetes by 58% compared to placebo (71% for individuals aged 60 and older), and nearly twice as much as the reduction among the group taking metformin (31%).

The program focuses on life-long changes to certain habits and behaviors, which helps participants maintain healthy improvements over time. A 10-year follow-up study showed that participants were still one-third less likely to develop Type 2 Diabetes a decade later than individuals who took a placebo. Those who did develop Type 2 Diabetes delayed the onset of the disease by about 4 years.

Over the course of one year, the Diabetes Prevention Program offers approximately 30 hours of instruction to lower participants’ risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes. Classes are held weekly for the first 4 months, transitioning to bimonthly, then monthly for continued maintenance and support. Topics covered in the program include eating less fat and fewer calories, making healthy choices, managing stress, and finding time for fitness. Locally, the program is managed by the Cow Creek Band of the Umpqua Tribe of Indians.

Referrals to a Diabetes Prevention Program help reinforce the information given to patients in the clinic setting by primary care providers. Because Diabetes Prevention Programs use a research-based curriculum and certified lifestyle coaches, you can trust that patients are receiving evidence-based information about weight loss, diet, exercise, and other important lifestyle changes.

Please use this referral form to begin changing patients’ lives today.

To view the Diabetes Prevention Program brochure, click here. For the DPP flyer, click here.