The Diabetes Prevention Program is a 12-month program available to adults with pre-diabetes or at high risk for type 2 diabetes who want to lower their risk. Each lesson includes simple steps that help people to eat healthy and be active. While completing the program, participants work with a lifestyle coach, attend classes online or in person, identify ways to manage stress, and receive support from peers. Participants work towards achieving and maintaining a healthy weight and reducing their risk for developing type 2 diabetes. 

This program is part of the National Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) was created in 2010 to address the increasing burden of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes in the United States. This national effort created partnerships between public and private organizations to offer evidence-based, cost-effective ways to help prevent type 2 diabetes. DPP brings together community organizations, government agencies, health care organizations, private insurers, employers, and faith-based organizations to reduce type 2 diabetes.

Yadkin County Human Services Agency has a MOU with Forsyth County Department of Public Health to provide this service. Forsyth County provides the service, and Yadkin County provides the space and participants. We have worked with Forsyth County to conduct outreach and education at numerous community events. There have also been social media posts with program information. Currently, we do not have anyone participating in the program, but we do have many eligible community members.

The agreement between Yadkin and Forsyth continues to remain. Both parties have completed extensive advertising in Yadkin, both in-person and via social media, but the program has not taken off. At this point it remains an option for those interested, but no data is present.