In 2018, an estimated 2.4 million adults in North Carolina had prediabetes.  In that same year, 12.1% of respondents to a Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey indicated that they had been told by a dcotor or other health professional that they had prediabetes or borderline diabetes.  Of those respondents, 39.6% were racial and ethnic minorities (African Americans: 15.2%; Hispanic/Latinos: 11.1%; and other racial and ethnic minorities: 13.3%). (North Carolina State Center For Health Statistics, BRFSS 2018).

In 2020, nearly one-half of North Carolinians have diabetes, roughtly 12.5% of the population, or are at high risk for developing diabetes, approximately 34.5% of adults have prediabetes (North Carolina Diabetes Advisory Council Report 2020). It is also projected that over 3,000 people will die directly or indirectly because of diabetes and its complications, ranking North Carolina as 7th in the nation for diabetes related deaths (National Center for Health Statistics Report 2020).

The annual healthcare cost of diabetes in North Carolina is estimated to surpass $17 billion by 2025 (North Carolina Diabetes Advisory Council Report 2020). 

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From our interactions with participants, we find that while weight loss and physical activity is helpful, they experience many other benefits from the program. For example, some participants report improvements in HgbA1c, improved mobility, decreased need for medication, and improved self-esteem. 

NC MDPP is composed of three main components: (1) Community screenings for prediabetes and region-specific targeted marketing campaigns in minority communities promoting prediabetes and diabetes awareness, (2) 12-month NC MDPP Lifestyle Class Series in minority communities, (3) Community conversations to minority communities across North Carolina. NC MDPP Regional Collaboratives were created to engage, screen, and educate.  

Take the "Do I have prediabetes?" risk test here.

The Minority Diabetes Prevention Program (MDPP) serves individuals who are at high risk for type 2 diabetes.  Due to the health disparities among minority populations, MDPP focuses on enrolling African-American, Hispanic/Latino, American Indian, Alaska Native, Asian, Native Hawaiian, and other Pacific Islander community members.  At least 50% of the participants enrolled in MDPP regionally must be from the minority population. 

These 12-month, evidence-based programs can help people who have prediabetes or who are at high risk for type 2 diabetes make realistic and achievable lifestyle changes which can cut their risk of developing type 2 diabetes by up to 58% percent (CDC, “Preventing Type 2 Diabetes”).

The program helps with detection and treatment for prediabetes and helps slow the projected increase in type 2 diabetes prevalence and expenditure in North Carolina.