Prediabetes

Prediabetes means you have a higher-than-normal blood sugar level, but not high enough to be considered type 2 diabetes. However, it does mean that without lifestyle changes, people with prediabetes are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes. It also puts some at risk for heart disease and stroke.

Risk factors

• Family history of diabetes
• Overweight or obese
• Over 35 years old
• Being physically active less than 3 times a week
• Having gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy) or having given birth to a baby that was over 9 pounds
• Having polycystic ovary syndrome
• High cholesterol or high blood pressure
• Race or ethnicity, as African Americans, Hispanic/Latino, American Indian and Asian American people are more likely to develop prediabetes

Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP)

Henry Ford Health’s Diabetes Prevention Program is a national program, approved by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It features an approach that is proven to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes.

As part of the DPP, participants will work with a trained lifestyle coach and other participants to learn the skills needed to make lasting changes. They will learn to eat healthier foods, add more physical activity to their life, stay motivated and solve problems that can get in the way of healthy changes.

Program overview

1-year program aimed at improving healthy lifestyle, achieving 5–7% weight loss and engaging in 150 minutes of physical activity per week.

• First 6 months: weekly classes (16 classes)
• Second 6 months: monthly classes (6 - 8 classes)

During the program, a trained Lifestyle Coach works with a group of participants to help them reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by:

• Losing weight through healthy eating
• Being more physically active
• Learning to identify and address barriers to healthy eating and physical activity

Who can participate in the Diabetes Prevention Program?

To be eligible for the program, a participant must meet ALL of the following criteria:

• Be 18 years or older
• Be overweight (body mass index above 24, or 22 if Asian)
• Have NOT been diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes
• NOT be pregnant

In addition, a participant must meet ONE of the following criteria:

• Have had a recent blood test in the prediabetes range, which includes one of the following tests and results:
• Hemoglobin A1C: 5.7–6.4% or
• Fasting plasma glucose: 100–125 mg/dL or
• Two-hour plasma glucose (after a 75 gm glucose load): 140–199 mg/dL
• A doctor previously diagnosed you with gestational diabetes

Diabetes Prevention Program Classes

Henry Ford Health is offering DPP classes for our primary care patients. We are also currently partnering with the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan to offer additional classes, at no cost to the participant.