As part of the CDC-led National Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP), the CMH DPP lifestyle change program helps people with prediabetes make healthy, long-term changes to prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes.
Participants meet in a small group led by a trained lifestyle coach. Individuals receive group support and learn how to get on a healthy track and stay there.
Full Recognition from the CDC Diabetes Prevention Recognition Program Since March 2016
The Lifestyle Change Program
Participants in the Lifestyle Change Program meet for about one hour once a week for eight weeks, every two weeks for eight more sessions, then once a month for six months to complete the year-long program.
During each session, your lifestyle coach will present health information and then lead a group discussion. You will learn to:
- Eat healthy
- Add physical activity to your life
- Manage stress
- Stay on track when eating out
For more information about the CMH DPP lifestyle change program, go to www.cdc.gov/diabetes/prevention.
The Benefits of a Diabetes Prevention Program
Follow-up studies show that following this lifestyle change program has helped many people with prediabetes cut their risk of developing type 2 diabetes in half.
Participants can achieve weight loss by making healthier food choices, becoming more physically active and learning to manage stress. The Diabetes Prevention Program research reveals that even modest behavior changes can lead to great results: for example, if a person weighing 200 pounds lost 5 to 7 percent of her body weight (10 to 14 lbs.), she could reduce her risk of developing type 2 diabetes by more than half.
Studies also show that when people have the support of others working towards the same goals they have more success. Group members celebrate successes and encourage each other to overcome challenges.