Since its establishment in 2010, the CDC-recognized National Diabetes Prevention Program (National DPP) has relied on a variety of public and private partners—such as community organizations, private insurers, employers, health care organizations, faith-based organizations, and government agencies—to expand the program nationwide.

The Wellness Coalition in Montgomery is one such organization. Our National DPP program is called Change Your Lifestyle. Change Your Life. (CYL2), and it has helped hundreds of River Region residents prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes.

Now, we are reaching out to pharmacists and healthcare providers to be valuable partners in our efforts. Refer patients and customers to The Wellness Coalition when they are found to be at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes because of a risk assessment score or an elevated blood glucose level in the prediabetes range.

What Is the National DPP Program?

The National DPP lifestyle change program:

  • Is a 1-year group program offered in person, online, or through a combination of both approaches. It consists of:
    » An initial 6-month phase with 16 weekly sessions over a period of 16 to 24 weeks.
    » A second 6-month phase with 2 at least 1 session a month (minimum of 6 sessions).
  • Is taught by a trained Lifestyle Coach.
  • Uses a CDC-approved curriculum.
  • Includes regular interactions between the Lifestyle Coach and participants.
  • Focuses on behavior change to improve nutrition, increase physical activity, and manage stress.
  • Provides peer support.

CYL2 reduces the risk for type 2 diabetes and many other chronic conditions such as heart disease and high blood pressure. The goal of the program is to help participants lose 5 to 7 percent of their body weight — that’s only 10 to 14 pounds for a person weighing 200 pounds — by eating healthier and being more physically active. This will improve their health and cut their risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Why HCP and Pharmacist Participation Matters

HCPs and pharmacists know preventive care. You deliver preventive healthcare services such as giving vaccinations, helping patients stop smoking and control their blood pressure, and delivering diabetes self-management education. The National DPP lifestyle change program aligns with this service delivery model.

You are likely to have daily encounters with patients who have prediabetes but are unaware of their condition or the risks involved. You may also play a key role in reaching populations that are underserved because of a lack of clinical or community resources.

Ways You Can Make a Difference

Promoting awareness of prediabetes and the National DPP is a simple, low-cost first step you can take to get involved in type 2 diabetes prevention efforts. For example, you can:

  • Increase patient awareness of prediabetes. This often reversible condition affects 96 million US adults, most of whom do not know they have it.
  • Increase your knowledge of the National DPP so that you can talk to patients about it.
  • Learn about the supporting evidence for the National DPP.

Promotional Materials

The Wellness Coalition has developed resources to promote awareness of prediabetes and the National DPP. These resources and materials can be used within your pharmacy or patient care setting. Print materials can be used in the following ways:

  • Display on bulletin boards or walls.
  • Give to patients who are picking up medications.
  • Display brochures and handouts on counters and tables in waiting rooms or other areas with heavy foot traffic.
  • Use flyers as “bag stuffers” when distributing medications

Tips for Screening Patients

Screening for prediabetes is the first step that you can take. You can add these screening tests to your workflow to start conversations with patients about risk factors and recommended next steps. Here are some tips for screening patients:

  • Use waiting time to administer the paper risk assessment.
  • Consider giving the test verbally instead of giving patients a paper copy to fill out. This approach may help establish a connection with patients and make it easier to personalize your recommendations. The assessment test typically takes about 2 minutes to complete.
  • It’s better for participants to enroll in the National DPP on the basis of blood glucose test results. Encourage a blood glucose test for any patient who scores high on the risk assessment. Table 1 provides information about the tests used to identify prediabetes and the follow-up actions.

Patients who take medications or who have health conditions that may put them at higher risk of prediabetes should be given special consideration for referrals.

Program Costs

If you refer a patient to a program, they may ask about the cost. The Wellness Coalition offers the program free of cost to eligible participants who are not eligible for Medicare. Meanwhile, Medicare-eligible participants can have the program covered by insurance.

Final Thoughts

Call The Wellness Coalition at (334) 293-6502 to establish a relationship with our program coordinator, Martine Rocker. She can explain the processes and policies of our program so that you can refer eligible patients who would benefit from personalized support and an improved lifestyle.