Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) continues to be a public health epidemic across Kentucky. According to America’s Health Rankings, 14.8% of the adult population in Kentucky have diagnosed diabetes, which is higher than the national average at 11.5%. 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. 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 partnered with the FCS Agent in Scott County to complete the entire virtual year-long program with a third cohort of ten adults (90% female; median age 58) from across the state of Kentucky. The total weight loss was 69 pounds and the average number of physical activity minutes were 121 minutes weekly.

Participants reported improved health indicators, including lower cholesterol (1), lower blood pressure (2), lower body mass index (2), improved blood sugar level (3), and improved A1C level (3). Hemoglobin A1C is a blood test that measures average blood sugar levels over the past 3 months. Participants expressed thanks for access to new resources they can use to manage health.  One participant also shared increased awareness of eating healthier and increased physical activity as a result of the Diabetes Prevention Program.

Overall, the third cohort of the Diabetes Prevention Program was successful.  The Cooperative Extension Service will continue to encourage healthy lifestyle and reduction of chronic disease.