What is the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension Diabetes Prevention Program?
The University of Arizona Cooperative Extension is part of the National Diabetes Prevention Program (National DPP), established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This lifestyle change program is proven to help people with prediabetes prevent or delay development of type 2 diabetes.
You will learn to:
- Eat healthy
- Add physical activity to your life
- Manage stress
- Stay motivated
Watch this 3-minute video to learn more about the science behind the Diabetes Prevention Program.
Our program uses the Prevent T2 curriculum (and Prevenga el T2), developed by the CDC. There are 26 lessons over the course of a year, meeting weekly at first, then every other week, then once a month.
The U of A Cooperative Extension has achieved FULL-PLUS recognition status from the CDC, the highest level of recognition for the DPP. This means that we have shown we can effectively deliver a high quality program.
Cost
Eligible Participants - FREE
Due to funding from the Arizona Department of Health Services, from the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control, and from the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, we are able to waive the program fee for participants who meet the CDC eligibility criteria. See teal box to the right.
Who can participate in our program?
To participate in the DPP, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be at least 18 years old, and:
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Be overweight ( Body Mass Index ≥25; or ≥23 if Asian), and
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Not be pregnant, and
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Have no previous diagnosis of type 1 or type 2 diabetes, and
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Be at high risk for type 2 diabetes according to one of the following:
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A blood test result in the prediabetes range within the past year:
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Hemoglobin A1C: 5.7–6.4% or
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Fasting plasma glucose: 100–125 mg/dL or
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Two-hour plasma glucose (after a 75 gm glucose load): 140–199 mg/dL, OR
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A history of gestational diabetes , OR
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Take the Prediabetes Risk Test and receive a screening result of high risk for type 2 diabetes
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Your Lifestyle Coach
Diabetes Prevention Program lifestyle coaches have the experience and training to help you reach your goals. Your lifestyle coach will help you:
- Learn the facts about healthy eating and physical activity and explain how these behaviors will help reduce your risk for type 2 diabetes
- Set and meet your goals
- Build relationships with other participants
- Work as a group to meet challenges
Why join a DPP group?
As part of a DPP group, you will work with other participants and a trained lifestyle coach to learn the skills you need to make lasting changes. These changes include losing a modest amount of weight, being more physically active, and managing stress. Being part of a group provides support from other people who are facing similar challenges and trying to make the same changes you are. Together you can celebrate successes and find ways to overcome obstacles.
Our program changes lives!
The DPP lifestyle change program can help people with prediabetes cut their risk of developing type 2 diabetes in half. The Diabetes Prevention Program research study showed that making modest behavior changes helped participants lose 5 to 7 percent of their body weight — that is 10 to 14 pounds for a person weighing 200 pounds. These lifestyle changes reduced the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 58 percent in people with prediabetes. In adults over 60, the risk reduction was 71%!