This content was written by Eva DiCocco, MD, a primary care physician and physician lead for the Diabetes Prevention Program at Kaiser Permanente.
More than 1 in 3 Americans have prediabetes, that’s 98 million people according to the CDC. Despite this, only 8 in 10 people with prediabetes are aware they have it. However, many people are able to reverse their prediabetes through lifestyle changes and a comprehensive treatment plan like Kaiser Permanente’s Diabetes Prevention Program.
I tell my patients that participating in a diabetes prevention program can be life-changing – diabetes is not your destiny. You may be at risk of developing type 2 diabetes, but with our program, you have the power to prevent or delay it.
So, how do you know if you’re at risk for developing diabetes or prediabetes? There are a variety of factors that influence your susceptibility to prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that is influenced by a variety of factors like family history, age, diet, lifestyle, and physical activity.When my patients have close relatives with type 2 diabetes, have high blood pressure, and/or abnormal cholesterol along with lifestyle risk factors (diet, exercise, age, etc.), I begin discussing the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) with them, and for many patients it can have a huge impact on their health and quality of life.
For example, our latest research shows that 60% of patients who completed the DPP at Kaiser Permanente achieved one or more of the following outcomes:
- Lost at least 5 percent of their body weight
- Lost at least 4 percent of their body weight and averaged at least 150 minutes per week of physical activity
The DPP at Kaiser Permanente, like that at many other health systems, was developed specifically to prevent or delay onset of type 2 diabetes. These programs are designed for patients who have prediabetes or are at risk for type 2 diabetes but who do not already have diabetes. For one year, participants work with certified lifestyle coaches who provide practical training in long-term dietary changes, increased physical activity and behavior change strategies for weight control.
This program gives my patients their life back. At the end of the program, my patients have reported increased energy levels, lower cholesterol, and lower blood pressure levels. I talked with Barbara Uhler, a 73-year-old Kaiser Permanente patient and DPP participant to learn more about her experience with DPP.
“I feel so much better now, not to mention I look a lot better too and lost a lot of weight,” said Barbara Uhler. “When I go on vacation, I’m able to walk all day and really enjoy sight-seeing,” Uhler added, who took a trip to Spain and France this summer.
Uhler lost more than 30 pounds and reversed her pre-diabetes through the DPP.
What to expect in a DPP
You may be wondering, so how does this program work?
The Kaiser Permanente program is available to members at no additional cost and offered virtually, in-person or in a hybrid format.
You may be eligible to participate in a DPP with your healthcare provider if you:
- Have prediabetes (elevated blood sugar, but high enough to be diabetes),
- Have elevated BMI (25 or higher),
- Are not pregnant or previously diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, and
- Are 18+ years old
If you meet these criteria, ask your doctor about DPP options available with your insurance. The Kaiser Permanente Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) has earned full recognition from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Full recognition is the highest achievement possible and is reserved for groups that have effectively delivered a high-quality, evidence-based program that meets all the standards for CDC recognition. Founded in 2019, Kaiser Permanente’s DPP has been recognized by the CDC twice.
Diabetes impacts millions of lives each year but it doesn’t have to be that way – and prevention can all start with a simple conversation. For Diabetes Awareness Month, talk to your doctor about your family history and other diabetes risk factors. If you qualify, a DPP might help you live a longer, healthier and more productive life!
About Kaiser Permanente:
Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America’s leading health care providers and nonprofit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve 12.5 million members in 8 states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health. For more information, go to about.kp.org.
