Diabetes is a major health concern in the Commonwealth of Kentucky with over 13% of adults living with diabetes, giving Kentucky the 4th highest mortality rate from diabetes in the United States. Further, 1 in 3 adults live with diagnosed or undiagnosed prediabetes, placing them at an increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes in the future. Coupled with limited access to providers and a lack of diabetes prevention education and training, many rural and underserved counties in Kentucky are facing increased risk of high diabetes prevalence.   

To address this public health issue, and to increase access to diabetes prevention across Kentucky, an academic clinical community partnership was established between UK HealthCare and Cooperative Extension as a proof-of-concept model. The National Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) is an effective method proven to reduce the onset of diabetes among participants throughout the year-long program. The goal of the program is to equip participants with knowledge and resources for healthy eating and active living to support lifestyle change and prevent type 2 diabetes. Cooperative Extension is uniquely suited with Family and Consumer Science (FCS) Agents who have knowledge and technical support for DPP delivery.  

Across Kentucky, 6 FCS Agents, 2 Associates, and 2 Specialists were trained as DPP Lifestyle Coaches to deliver the DPP throughout Kentucky communities. As of June 2022, 43 individuals were enrolled in the program in one of four virtual and in-person cohorts. Participants were averaging 204 minutes of physical activity each week, well over the recommended 150 minutes per week for adults. Additionally, participants lost a total of 369 pounds, with 14 having achieved a 5% weight loss from their initial program enrollment. The DPP will conclude in January 2023 when the final cohort completes the year-long program.  

Over the course of program delivery, FCS Agents have facilitated more than 80 DPP sessions, strengthening relationships with residents of their communities. The program also provided opportunities for dietetic interns to gain experience with delivering nutrition education in a community-based setting. The success of DPP delivery via FCS Agents proves that an academic clinical-community partnership may be a strategic and effective model for increasing DPP suppliers in rural communities with limited primary prevention infrastructure. Future opportunities for collaboration will be explored to equip FCS Agents to meet the needs of Kentuckians living with prediabetes.