Each Diabetes Prevention Program cohort is different. Cohorts differ in participants' commitment to attendance, making lifestyle changes, and reaching program goals. Lifestyle Coaches (LCs) offer scheduled make-up sessions for participants missing sessions. LCs are flexible in making special accommodations for participants if they cannot attend a scheduled make-up session. Additionally, LCs are willing to work with participants to help them overcome challenges with class attendance, making lifestyle changes, and reaching goals. While this helps with attrition, sometimes participants are not at a stage of readiness to continue with the program and end up discontinuing the program. The 2024 and 2025 cohorts were very dedicated to class attendance, attending make-up sessions, and doing what was necessary to complete this program.

The Family and Consumer Science Agent with Cooperative Extension (Person County Center) helps co-facilitate the Diabetes Prevention Program.

Lifestyle Coaches have found that requiring participants to attend make-up sessions throughout the program and not just during the "core session phase" helps with attrition and program completion.  The willingness of LCs to help participants work through challenges also lends itself to more successful outcomes.

Lifestyle Coaches will continue to do what is necessary to encourage participants to attend classes, make lifestyle changes, and work towards program goals. At times, this may mean more work and time on the part of the LCs. Make-up sessions will continue to be offered throughout the program. Periodically, challenges to encourage attendance, lifestyle change, and working towards goals may be issued to motivate participants.