P118 - Cooperative Extension as a Model for Sustainable Dissemination of the Diabetes Prevention Program

Abstract

Objective: To demonstrate how Cooperative Extension (CE) can be used to successfully disseminate the National Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP). Target Audience: Adults at risk for type 2 diabetes. Theory, Prior Research, Rationale: In the U.S., 30.3 million have diabetes, 84.1 million have prediabetes. The impact of diabetes is most strongly felt in medically underserved areas (MUAs), where healthcare access is limited. DPP has robust research supporting its success in reducing or delaying the onset of type 2 diabetes. However, the program's dissemination to MUAs is constrained by lack of trained personnel and access. The CE System addresses these constraints. CE has offices in most counties across the U.S., staffed with trained educators. Additionally, other Extension programming may complement and enhance the lifestyle outcomes encouraged in the DPP. The CE National Framework highlights chronic disease prevention and management as a priority. Thus, CE is an excellent fit for DPP to achieve a broader impact. Description: DPP is a group, lifestyle-based intervention offered over a year's time, with 16 weekly/bi-weekly/hour-long sessions in months 1–6, followed by 6–10 sessions during months 7–12. The evidence-based CDC curriculum, PreventT2, promotes healthy eating, physical activity, and modest weight loss. Evaluation: A study, through pre/post surveys, showed those receiving counseling and motivational support on diet, exercise, and behavior modification by attending DPP—reduced their risk of diabetes by 58%. Lifestyle changes for participants aged 60 + , reduced their risk by 71%. Program success is evaluated by measuring primary outcomes determined by the CDC: change in body weight and increase in weekly minutes of physical activity. Conclusions and Implications: Nationally, process evaluation results optimize DPP participant retention and success. The CDC DPP Impact Toolkit is used to show health and economic effects of CE-DPP. Combined, the strategies shared by this university's CE will be useful to other land-grant universities wishing to implement a CE-DPP. Funding: University of Arizona, Cooperative Extension Funds.