Programs > National Diabetes Prevention Program
The National Diabetes Prevention Program (National DPP) is a lifestyle-change program that is proven to help prevent or delay type 2 diabetes. Research led by the National Institutes of Health has shown that structured lifestyle interventions can cut the risk of type 2 diabetes in half. These interventions included loss of 5 to 7% of their body weight through healthier eating and 150 minutes of physical activity each week.
Format
- Face to face in small group workshops or online
- A one-year program
- During the first 6 months of the program, participants meet about once a week
- During the second 6 months, participants meet once or twice a month
Settings
- In-person classes are in community settings such as health clinics, hospitals, senior centers, worksites or churches
Participants
- People who have or are at risk for having prediabetes
Topics and Skills Covered
During the first half of the program, these topics will be covered:
- Eat healthy without giving up all the foods you love
- Add physical activity to your life, even if you don’t think you have time
- Deal with stress
- Cope with challenges that can derail your hard work—like how to choose healthy food when eating out
- Get back on track if you stray from your plan—because everyone slips now and then
During the second half of the program, these topics will be covered:
- Tracking your food and physical activity
- Setting goals
- Staying motivated
- Overcoming barriers
