Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) continues to be a public health epidemic across Kentucky. According to America’s Health Rankings, 13.8% of the adult population in Kentucky have diagnosed diabetes, which is higher than the national average at 10.9%. 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.

The FCS Agent in Washington County has completed the entire virtual year-long program with a second cohort of fourteen adults (93% female; median age 55) from across the state of Kentucky. The total weight loss was 153 pounds and the average number of physical activity minutes were 167 minutes weekly.

Participants reported improved health indicators.  One participant reported improved total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and fasting glucose (blood sugar), as well as weight loss and increased water consumption.  Another participant reported an improved A1C level down to 5.5%.  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.  Other participants reported that they learned about carbohydrates and how lifestyle can influence their A1C levels.  They also reported sharing the information from sessions with their loved ones who face similar health challenges.

Overall, the second cohort of the Diabetes Prevention Program was successful.  The Washington County FCS Agent is working with the project team to complete the grant project with one more cohort of participants.