Healthy Lifestyle Program’s Diabetes Prevention Program receives national recognition

PreventT2 recognized for meeting high-quality standards

The Healthy Lifestyle Program has been recognized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for its ability to effectively deliver a proven type 2 diabetes prevention lifestyle intervention. CDC only recognizes programs that meet high-quality standards.

The Healthy Lifestyle Program is recognized for its PreventT2 diabetes prevention program, a yearlong support group for Central Louisiana residents who are at risk for developing diabetes. It began offering the CDC-approved program in 2021. The first group completed its work while three additional support groups began in 2022. Plans for 2023 are to offer PreventT2 in three more parishes. Read more about PreventT2.

The PreventT2 program offers a proven approach to prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes through modest lifestyle changes made with the support of a coach and one’s peers. Participants learn how to eat healthy, add physical activity to their routine, manage stress, stay motivated, and solve problems that can get in the way of healthy changes.

PreventT2 groups meet for a year — in one-hour weekly sessions for the first 16 weeks, then once or twice a month for the rest of the year to maintain healthy lifestyle changes. The Central Louisiana groups are led by Healthy Lifestyle Program staff, who have been trained to use the CDC-approved PreventT2 curriculum and have the knowledge and skills needed to effectively deliver the program.

Healthy Lifestyle Program staff began the application process for the CDC recognition a year ago. The lengthy process included tracking results of its first PreventT2 cohort and sending data to CDC every 6 months to show that they are having an impact on preventing or delaying type 2 diabetes.

To gain CDC recognition, organizations must show they can meet CDC standards, including having trained lifestyle coaches who can help build participants’ skills and confidence to make lasting lifestyle changes.

“Having the CDC recognize our work in helping to prevent type 2 diabetes is a great honor and truly emphasizes the commitment of the Healthy Lifestyle Program staff,” said Wendy Roy, Executive Director of the Cenla Medication Access Program, which oversees the Healthy Lifestyle Program. “We will continue to provide Central Louisiana residents with this high-quality lifestyle change program that will help them lose weight, manage their blood sugar and affect their overall health.”

To become part of a PreventT2 group, residents must have prediabetes but not have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. To see if PreventT2 is right for you, call the Healthy Lifestyle Program at 318-767-3019.