One in three American adults has prediabetes, the need for prevention has never been greater. People with prediabetes-higher-than normal blood glucose (sugar) levels – are 5 to 15 times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than those with normal blood glucose levels. In fact, many people with prediabetes will develop type 2 diabetes within 3 years if they do not take steps to prevent it.
The Diabetes Prevention Programs are a proven approach to prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes through modest lifestyle and diet changes made with the support of a coach and peers. The group is guided by a trained lifestyle coach in which group participants learn skills they need to make lasting changes such as losing a modest amount of weight, being more physically active, and managing stress. Small changes can add up to a big difference.
People are more likely to have prediabetes and type 2 diabetes if they:
• Are 45 years of age or older;
• Are overweight;
• Have a family history of type 2 diabetes;
• Are physically active fewer than three times per week; or
• Have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes during pregnancy or gave birth to a baby weighing more than 9 pounds.
The Diabetes Prevention Programs are based on research that showed that people with prediabetes who lost 5 to 7 percent of their body weight (10 to 14 pounds for a 200-pound person) by making modest changes reduced their risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 58 percent.
Nationwide implementation of the program could save the U.S. health care system $5.7 billion and prevent about 885,000 future cases of type 2 diabetes, a serious condition that can lead to health problems including heart attack; stroke; blindness; kidney failure; or loss of toes, feet, or legs.
To find out more about National Diabetes Prevention Programs that are accredited by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, visit https://nccd.cdc.gov/DDT_DPRP/Programs.aspx to find a location near you.