Diabetes Prevention Program

Posted on May 9, 2024

Meridian Medical Associates just completed a year-long cycle of the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP). This program was created by the CDC to help those with HbA1c values in the prediabetic category or those with a high risk for developing diabetes (take the test here: https://www.cdc.gov/prediabetes/takethetest/) to take steps to avoid the development of type II diabetes. Research utilizing this structured approach indicates that individuals with prediabetes can cut their risk of developing type II by 58% (1).

The focus of the DPP is on improving lifestyle habits to incorporate at least 150 minutes (about 2 and a half hours) of moderate activity per week as well as to achieve a weight loss goal of 5-7% of current weight by restructuring eating habits. Follow-up research suggests that those who complete the program cut their risk of developing type II by 33% over the course of 10 years (2). Program sessions take place over a year with meetings every week during the first 6 months and then monthly for the next 6 months. Each meeting is an hour in length and covered topics include food substitutions, activity examples, stress approaches, meal preparation methods, and other topics. Participants learn how to create reasonable goals in a supportive, educational environment to make changes stick. The biggest benefit is not the coach or the content, but the lived-in experience of the participants. Many participants share how they have overcome challenges, engage on topics that they find interesting, and garner group feedback on something they are thinking of incorporating/changing. Questions are encouraged, and most recently the program's content revolved around recipes and keeping yourself motivated without the group's support. Some participants lost 20+ pounds and reduced their HbA1c to the normal range.

Meridian Medical Associates is committed to educating the community and providing support to those with prediabetes. A new cycle of the DPP will be coming soon to allow anyone in our care with prediabetes or elevated risk for type II diabetes to participate. The weekly commitment is low, but the rewards are infinite.

You can read more about the DPP program here: https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/prevention/index.html 

(1) https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/prevention/about.htm

(2) https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/prevention/what-is-dpp.htm