Why Participate?

Research shows that CDC-recognized lifestyle change program participants who lost 5-7% of their body weight and added 150 minutes of exercise per week cut their risk of developing type 2 diabetes by up to 58% (71% for people over 60 years old).

Even a decade later, program participants were one-third less likely to develop type 2 diabetes than individuals who did not join a program.

The program can also lower your risk of having a heart attack or stroke, improve your health, help you feel more energetic, and even reverse your prediabetes diagnosis.

CDC-Recognized Diabetes Prevention Lifestyle Change Programs: An Overview

"I like the program because of the group participation; emphasis on making small steps to build people's confidence; and nonjudgmental, supportive environment." -Cynthia Oredugba, Lifestyle Coach

A CDC-recognized lifestyle change program is a structured program—in person or online—developed specifically to prevent type 2 diabetes. It is designed for people who have prediabetes or are at risk for type 2 diabetes, but who do not already have diabetes.

**Please note** If you have already been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and want to learn how to manage it, please visit CDC’s Living with Diabetes webpage.

A trained Lifestyle Coach leads the program to help you change certain aspects of your lifestyle, like eating healthier, reducing stress, and getting more physical activity. The program also includes group support from others who share your goals and struggles.

This lifestyle change program is not a fad diet or an exercise class. And it’s not a quick fix. It’s a year-long program focused on long-term changes and lasting results.

A year might sound like a long commitment, but learning new habits, gaining new skills, and building confidence takes time. As you begin to eat better and become more active, you’ll notice changes in how you feel, and maybe even in how you look.

Benefits of a CDC-Recognized Lifestyle Change Program

"This program has taught me how to eat healthy and find an exercise routine that works for my schedule." -Jan Booker, Program Participant

Improve Your Health

A lifestyle change program can help you lose weight through eating better and being more physically active. You will also learn how to reduce stress. All of these things will help reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes and of having a heart attack or stroke.

Feel Better and More Energetic

Many participants say they feel better and are more active than they were before the program. Imagine having more energy to do the things you love.

Be Part of Something Bigger

By joining a CDC-recognized lifestyle change program, you can be part of the national movement to prevent type 2 diabetes. Fewer cases of type 2 diabetes in the United States means healthier communities; a healthier, more productive workforce; and lower health care costs for everyone. Learn more about Joining a Program.

Get Started: Take a Risk Test and Find a Program

STEP

1

First, find out if you are at risk for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. Take our online test.

STEP

2

If you are at high risk, talk to a health care professional about getting a blood sugar test.

STEP

3

If you have prediabetes, join a CDC-recognized lifestyle change program. Visit Find a Program to find a local or online CDC-recognized lifestyle change program that works for you. If you’d first like to learn more about what it’s like to be in a lifestyle change program, continue on to the Lifestyle Change Program Details page.