Diabetes is a rising concern in the United States, and in 2007 the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimated that 57 million American adults had pre-diabetes, which precedes diabetes and increases your risk of developing diabetes. A big study called the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) found that overweight people with prediabetes, were able to either prevent or delay getting diabetes with lifestyle changes resulting in modest weight loss of 5 percent to 7 percent of body weight.
Preventing Diabetes
The DPP was a study done at 27 sites around the United States to see how effective modest weight loss fared compared with the medication metformin at reducing the risk of developing diabetes for those with pre-diabetes. The study found that modest weight loss of 5 percent to 7 percent of body weight reduced the risk of developing diabetes by 58 percent compared with 31 percent for metformin use. In the study, the weight loss lifestyle group had 16 individual coaching sessions to help them control their diet and increase their physical activity.
Data Packet
The National Diabetes Education Program (NDEP) created the Small Steps, Big Rewards information packet based on the DPP. The packet explains about different risk factors for diabetes and how people can lower their risk with modest weight loss. The packet has a fat and calorie tracker book to help people control their diet and some ideas for physical activity. It is free to order on NDEP's website.
YMCA
Researchers at Indiana University offered a group-based 16-week DPP program at the YMCA and found it effective in helping those with high risk of developing diabetes to achieve a modest weight loss to lower the risk of developing diabetes. As of April 2010, the insurance company UnitedHealth Group will start offering free access to the YMCA DPP to its customers in select cities.
Lifestyle Balance Program
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh offer a group-based Lifestyle Balance Program, adapted from the original DPP, to those at high risk of developing diabetes. This is a 12-week program designed to help people with pre-diabetes achieve 7 percent weight loss and at least 150 minutes of activity a week.
Health Groups and Dietitians
Health organizations and registered dietitians may offer services to help people with pre-diabetes to lose weight, choose a healthy diet and participate in physical activity. You can always check your health care provider's website or consult with your doctor to see if any such programs are available.
Health Department Programs
Local state health departments are another great resource that may offer information or classes about pre-diabetes and diabetes prevention. You can check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for state-specific information about diabetes prevention programs in your area.
References
- National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse: Diabetes Prevention Program
- American Journal of Preventive Medicine; "Translating the Diabetes Prevention Program into the Community: The DEPLOY Pilot Study"; Ronald T. Ackermann et al; October 2008
- UnitedHealth Group: Free Access to Programs that Help Prevent and Control Diabetes and Obesity
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center: Diabetes Prevention Support Center
- National Diabetes Education Program: Your Game Plan to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes
