We Can Prevent Diabetes, Together! Valley’s Diabetes Prevention Program Provides Long-term Value

“I think I knew a lot of the pieces already, but putting the pieces of the puzzle to, kind of, see the big picture has, I think, short-term and long-term value for me.”
– Drew, Diabetes Prevention Program patient

In the U.S., 1 in 3 adults has prediabetes and is at risk for type 2 diabetes, yet nearly 85% don’t know they have it. Having prediabetes means your blood glucose (sugar) level is higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. This raises your risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke.

But if I have prediabetes, I’m not diabetic? While this is true, prediabetes is like your body’s own check engine light. It is a warning that diabetes is ahead, and if you don’t do some preventive maintenance or change your path, diabetes is inevitable.

Valley is here to help! Learn more about our Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP), a CDC-recognized education and proven intervention system focusing on physical activity, healthy eating and other lifestyle changes (the “puzzle pieces” as program participant Drew called them), providing support for patients to help lower their risk for type 2 diabetes.

Ready to Sign Up?
Valley’s Diabetes Prevention Program can help you make modest lifestyle changes and cut your risk of type 2 diabetes by more than half. Get on the list to be notified when registration opens for our next cohort by emailing Courtney McCliment, Lifestyle Coach.

“(DPP participants) get to meet with somebody regularly to touch base and talk about their diet and their exercise habits and what struggles they’re facing, and set new goals each week. And I think it’s that accountability that is one of the reasons that the program is so successful.”
– Erin McLaughlin, MD, Fairwood Primary Care Clinic

In the video below, Drew, primary care provider Erin McLaughlin, MD, and Lifestyle Coach Courtney McCliment explain how the Diabetes Prevention Program works and why it might be beneficial for you if you are prediabetic or at risk for developing Type 2 diabetes. Further information about the program can be found below the video.

Diabetes Prevention Program: A CDC-Recognized Education and a Proven Intervention System
The Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) is a year-long lifestyle change program for people diagnosed with prediabetes. Research shows that programs like DPP can cut the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in half.

The program meets online weekly for the first 6 months, then once or twice a month for the second 6 months. Led by certified Lifestyle Medicine Coaches, the program focuses on physical activity, healthy eating and other behavioral changes. The program was developed by the CDC’s PreventT2.

Valley’s Lifestyle Medicine Diabetes Prevention Program includes:

Virtual Support Group: Virtual small group meetings with a trained lifestyle coach guiding and encouraging you, as well as support from other group members with the same goals as you.

Prescribed Exercise Plan: Jump-start to exercises education with an exercise specialist at one of Valley’s three Lifestyle Medicine centers (Covington, Maple Valley, and Renton). Three, 30-minute sessions of exercise fundamentals and training to develop a plan that works for you.

Valley’s Lifestyle Medicine centers have skilled medical professionals onsite with services to support you on your path to improved health. Whether you want to begin with physical movement or nutrition, the Lifestyle Medicine Center is ready to partner with you. Many services are covered by medical insurance, including Medicare. DPP’s cost is $299 + tax, with payment plans available.

For more information, see this flyer or email courtney_mccliment@valleymed.org.

The Diabetes Prevention Program is also offered through Seattle-area YMCAs. For more on that program, visit seattleymca.org.