Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) continues to be a public health epidemic across Kentucky. According to America’s Health Rankings, 13% of the adult population in Kentucky have diagnosed T2D, which is higher than the national average at 10.6%. In addition, 1 in 3 adults have diagnosed or undiagnosed prediabetes, which equals approximately 1.1 million Kentucky adults at greater risk of developing T2D.

Fortunately, support programs and education that focus on preparing healthy meals, living an active lifestyle, and problem-solving can reduce the risk of developing T2D or help manage the complications associated with T2D. In response to this growing prevalence, UK Family and Consumer Sciences Extension partnered with the UK Healthcare Barnstable Brown Diabetes Center to establish a CDC National Diabetes Prevention Program in Washington County. This partnership utilizes the existing educational infrastructure provided by the Cooperative Extension Service to provide a year-long evidence-based program to prevent the development of T2D in individuals diagnosed with prediabetes. The first 6 months of this program includes frequent meetings (3-4 times per month) with the goal of losing 5-7% body weight for participants and engaging in 150 minutes of physical activity each week. The second half of the year provides monthly meetings which focus on establishing sustainability in behavior change for the participants.

At this time, the FCS Agent in Washington County has completed the first 6 months of the program. Fourteen adults (93% female; median age 55) have been participating in the group.   Participants have lost a total of 23 pounds. In addition, participants are individually averaging 167 minutes of physical activity each week, exceeding the national recommendations of 150 minutes.

Hemoglobin A1C is a blood test that measures average blood sugar levels over the past 3 months. The A1C range that indicates prediabetes is 5.7% to 6.4% and less than 5.7% is considered normal. One participant reported an improvement in A1C levels from 6.2% to 5.8%. This indicates an improvement in blood sugar levels and a decreased risk for developing T2D.

The Washington County FCS Agent will continue to facilitate this program and support individuals seeking healthy lifestyles.