Diabetes Prevention Program
Diabetes is the seventh-leading cause of death in South Carolina. Currently, there are an estimated 300,000-350,000 people living with diabetes in our state, and many are unaware that they have the disease. To help reduce the risk for our neighbors, Prisma Health offers a community diabetes education and prevention program.
Our program is available to help adults with a high risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Diabetes is twice as common among African-Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans and Asian-Americans.
Our program encourages healthy lifestyles by:
- Eating healthier
- Increasing physical activity
- Losing a modest amount of weight in order to reduce the chances of developing Type 2 diabetes
This yearlong program is part of a national curriculum from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Lifestyle coaches meet with small groups for 16 weeks and monthly thereafter. Sessions are available at convenient times and routine measurements are done throughout the program. A recent diabetes screening is required for eligibility.
To learn more, call us at 803-296-3070
Since 2013, Prisma Health’s Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) has more than doubled in participation. More than two-thirds (71.4%) of participants achieved measurable improvements in three or more indicators and saw a decrease in their hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). For more information, call Prisma Health’s Office of Community Health at 803-296-3070.