In San Diego County, as many as 46% of adults are on the path to type 2 diabetes. One key strategy to address prediabetes is to support San Diegans in making healthy lifestyle changes. The National Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP)—led by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)—is designed to prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes for those with prediabetes or at risk of developing diabetes through supporting lifestyle changes.

The DPP program is a year-long commitment where participants learn to take charge of their health by eating healthy foods and integrating physical activity into their daily lives. The County of San Diego Aging and Independence Services, a DPP provider in partnership with Chula Vista Community Collaborative, facilitated a class in San Ysidro completing the year with nine participants. After a year of hard work and dedication, the San Ysidro group completed their final session in February with an average weight loss of 5.94%—96 pounds total—a significant achievement given that participants can decrease their risk of progressing to type 2 diabetes in half by losing 5-7% of their body weight. 

The cohort’s progress was tracked through weight loss and physical activity goals. Program staff implemented multiple strategies, including individualized recommendations based on their participant food logs and pairing struggling cohort members with successful participants. Their achievements are particularly impressive given that their final months occurred over the holidays.

For more information about the San Diego DPP and available resources, please contact Chesley Blevins at Chesley.blevins@sdcounty.ca.gov.