National DPP Lifestyle Change Program
The National Diabetes Prevention Program, or National DPP, is an effort to help prevent type 2 diabetes throughout the United States. Through the National DPP, partner organizations deliver CDC-recognized lifestyle change programs nationwide to those with prediabetes or at high risk for type 2 diabetes.
- 96
- million American adults—more than 1 in 3—have prediabetes.*
- 33.4%
- of adults in California have prediabetes.**
- 58%
- reduction in the risk of developing type 2 diabetes is possible for those with prediabetes who take part in a structured lifestyle change program.*
*National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
** American Diabetes Association
Why We Care?
If you have prediabetes, you are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes within 5 years. Which puts you at risk of serious health problems, including:
- heart attack
- stroke
- blindness
- kidney failure
- loss of toes, feet, or legs.
The good news: Prediabetes can often be reversed!
Touro University California’s MOBEC concern and commitment to the health and well-being of those affected by prediabetes and diabetes led to the implementation of the National DPP program in 2015.
The National Diabetes Prevention Program Lifestyle Change Program is a CDC-recognized program that provides support to participants in reaching their goal of preventing diabetes. The research behind the National DPP showed that people with prediabetes who take part in a structured lifestyle change program -resulting in a moderate weight loss- can cut their risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 58% (71% for people over 60 years old). For more info about the National DPP Lifestyle Change Program, visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention page about the National DPP.
Is This Program Right for You?
The National DPP lifestyle change program is designed for people 18 years or older who have prediabetes or who are at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes.
You’re at risk for developing type 2 diabetes if you:
- Have prediabetes.
- Are overweight.
- Are 45 years or older.
- Have a parent, brother, or sister with type 2 diabetes.
- Had gestational diabetes during pregnancy.
If you have non-alcoholic fatty liver disease you may also be at risk for type 2 diabetes
How Does the Lifestyle Change Program Work?
The DPP lifestyle change program empowers you to take charge of your health and well-being. This is a year-long, evidence-based, and cost-effective program developed to prevent the progression to type 2 diabetes.
The DPP program is broken down into two six-month periods. During the first six months, you will learn how to:
- Eat healthy without giving up all the foods you love.
- Add physical activity to your life, even if you think you don’t have the time.
- Manage stress and stay motivated.
- Cope with challenges such as how to choose healthy food when eating out.
- Get back on track if you stray from your plan.
During the second six months, meetings are held once or twice a month. To ensure your long-term success, the program focuses on enhancing and maintaining the changes made during the first half of the program.
How Do I get Started?
- If you’re not sure if you’re at risk, take the CDC’s Prediabetes Risk Test or ask your clinician about getting a blood glucose or Hemoglobin A1c test. Only a blood test can determine an official diagnosis.
- Ready to make a change?
Upcoming Sessions
You can contact us about upcoming sessions by selecting 'contact me about future cohorts' in the cohort dropdown.
Contact Us
Maya Ramsey, MPH
- mramsey2@touro.edu
- (707) 638-5970