At a glance
Community-based organizations (CBOs), faith-based organizations (FBOs), and community health workers (CHWs) can take an active role in helping people manage diabetes or prevent type 2 diabetes.
Help prevent type 2 diabetes
Prediabetes can lead to type 2 diabetes, and it also increases risk for heart attack and stroke. But it doesn't have to. CBOs can help people take steps to reverse prediabetes or slow the onset of type 2 diabetes.
CBOs can offer, or help people in their community enroll in, the National Diabetes Prevention Program (National DPP) lifestyle change program. The program is proven to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes.
- Learn about this evidence-based program.
- Find out how your organization can offer the National DPP lifestyle change program.
- Already delivering a program? Find resources and support at National DPP Customer Service Center.
Help manage diabetes
CBOs play an important role in helping people with diabetes take steps to lower their blood sugar and manage their condition.
Diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) services help people reach their daily and lifetime goals for living well with diabetes. CBOs can offer DSMES by becoming recognized by the American Diabetes Association or accredited by the Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists. CBOs can also help people in their communities find these services.
Toolkits and more
These resources are designed to help you support people at risk for developing type 2 diabetes or those who already have diabetes.
- DSMES Toolkit: This resource is a one-stop shop for helping ensure that all people with diabetes receive the support and education they need.
- Faith Leaders Toolkit – Diabetes Prevention and Management: Learn how to reach and inspire people in faith communities and motivate them to take steps toward healthy living.
- New Beginnings Toolkit: New Beginnings uses stories, activities, and facilitated discussion to address the emotional impact of diabetes.
- Fotonovela: Do it for them! But for you too. (¡Hazlo por ellos! Pero por ti también.) This bilingual fotonovela (illustrated novel) features dramatic stories of Latinas talking to Latinas about preventing or delaying type 2 diabetes and being healthy for their children and themselves. Use the how-to guide to plan and evaluate your use of the fotonovela: English | Spanish
- Community Health Worker Forum: This meeting explored the development of a statewide infrastructure to promote long-term sustainability and financing of community health workers. Access the Summary Report in English and Spanish.