The Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) is the gold standard for treating prediabetes, teaching lifelong lifestyle strategies and specific education on how to prevent progression to diabetes.
DPP is a 12 month lifestyle change program that helps delay or prevent type 2 diabetes. It focuses on healthy eating, physical activity, and behavior modification through a structured curriculum delivered by trained lifestyle coaches. It is usually 100% covered by your insurance if you qualify, and can be offered in-person, virtually, or hybrid.
Did you know...
This program can cut your chance of getting type 2 diabetes by more than half!
Even after 10 years, people who went through the program were still about a third less likely to develop diabetes. And if you're 60 or older, the benefits are even greater — the program reduced risk by over 70 percent.
How it works
Usual Program Structure
Core Sessions
(Months 1-6)
Weekly group sessions focusing on healthy eating, physical activity, and lifestyle strategies.
Maintenance Phase
(Months 7-12)
Monthly sessions to help maintain healthy habits and continue progress.
Ongoing Support
Continued access to resources and support to maintain your healthy lifestyle.
Program Goals
- Lose at least 5-7% of your starting body weight. This amount of weight loss has been shown to improve your blood work, improve your body’s inflammation, and improve your metabolic health.
- Engage in at least 150 minutes of physical activity each week
- Build long-term healthy habits
Pros
- Often covered by insurance, with alternative free programs available for some.
- Learn in a supportive environment alongside your peers.
- Gain knowledge and skills to live a healthy lifestyle and prevent diabetes.
Cons
- In person programs may not be available in your area.
- Long-term time commitment.
- Content covered may not be tailored for specific cultures or personal preferences.
Insurance and cost
Medicare
The DPP is covered by Medicare Part B with no copay if you meet these criteria:
- Within 12-months before attending your first session, you have at least one of the following:
- A1C test result between 5.7% and 6.4%.
- Fasting plasma glucose test result of 110 - 125mg/dL.
- 2-hour plasma glucose of 140 - 199 mg/dL (“oral glucose tolerance test”).
- You have a body mass index (BMI) of 25 or more (BMI of 23 or more if you’re Asian).
- You’ve never been diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes or End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD).
Medicaid
In Michigan, Medicaid covers the DPP, if you meet these criteria:
- 18 years or older.
- Have “overweight or obesity” as defined by Body Mass Index (BMI) AND at least one of the following:
- Score at “high risk” on the CDC prediabetes risk test.
- Elevated blood glucose levels according to CDC Diabetes Prevention Recognition Program (DPRP).
- History of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).
Commercial/
Employer Insurance
Call the number on the back of your insurance card to check for DPP coverage and copay details.