Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) continues to be a public health epidemic across Kentucky. Public health professionals believe 1 in 7 adults in Kentucky have diagnosed T2D, 13.7% of the adult population which is higher than the national average at 10.5%. 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.

Specifically, Washington County in central Kentucky, faces diagnosed diabetes rates similar to the state prevalence at 13.7%. 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 will utilize 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 weekly meetings with the goal of losing 5-7% body weight for participants. The second half of the year provides fewer 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. Twelve adults (83% female; median age 67.3), either diagnosed with prediabetes or at risk for diabetes, have been participating in the group. Collectively, participants have lost 5.6% body weight with 1 in 3 reaching their weight loss goals set at the beginning of the program. On average, each participant has lost 11 pounds. As a group, participants have lost a total of 131 pounds. In addition, participants are individually averaging 235 minutes of physical activity each week, far exceeding the national recommendations of 150 minutes.

As a result of the program so far, individuals are sharing:

• I choose healthier snacks, like fruits and vegetables. 
• I feel better overall and have more energy. 
• Losing weight has helped me to have less joint pain. 

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