About the National Diabetes Prevention Program

About the National Diabetes Prevention Program

The CDC-led National DPP is a partnership of public and private organizations working together to build the infrastructure for nationwide delivery of an evidence-based lifestyle change program to prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes in adults at high risk. The National DPP lifestyle change program is based on the science of the Diabetes Prevention Program research study and several studies that followed.

These studies showed that making modest behavior changes helped people with prediabetes lose 5% to 7% of their body weight and reduced their risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 58% (71% for people older than age 60). CDC’s Diabetes Prevention Recognition Program (DPRP) is the quality assurance arm of the National DPP. Through the DPRP, CDC recognizes organizations that follow a CDC-approved curriculum and achieve outcomes proven to prevent type 2 diabetes.

What Is Prediabetes?

Prediabetes is a health condition marked by blood glucose levels that are higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes. 96 million American adults—more than 1 in 3—are estimated to have prediabetes, and more than 8 in 10 people with prediabetes don’t know they have it. Prediabetes can lead to heart disease and stroke, and without intervention, many people with prediabetes will go on to develop type 2 diabetes.

Prediabetes is defined by one of the following measures:

• Hemoglobin A1C of 5.7% to 6.4% or
• Fasting plasma glucose of 100 to 125 mg/dL or
• Plasma glucose measured 2 hours after a 75 gm glucose load of 140 to 199 mg/dL.

What Is the National DPP Lifestyle Change Program?

The National DPP LCP:

• Is a yearlong, structured program offered in person, online, through distance learning, or through any combination of these delivery modes, as defined in the CDC DPRP Standards and Operating Procedures (DPRP Standards). It consists of:
  • An initial 6-month phase offering at least 16 sessions over 16 to 26 weeks and
  • A second 6-month phase offering at least 1 session a month (at least 6 sessions).
• Is facilitated by a trained Lifestyle Coach.
• Uses a CDC-approved curriculum.
• Includes regular opportunities for direct interaction between the Lifestyle Coach and participants.
• Focuses on behavior modification, stress management, and social support.

More information on the program can be found on CDC’s National DPP website.

Questions or Comments?

• For more information on the National DPP, visit the National DPP website.
• For questions about the DPRP and becoming a CDC-recognized organization, visit the Requirements for CDC Recognition web page or submit a request through the National DPP Customer Service Center (CSC). To submit a technical assistance request, complete a brief profile by selecting “Login” and then “Register.” Once signed in, select “Contact Support” under “Contact Us” on the home page.