A Pilot Study to Evaluate the Effectiveness of the National Diabetes Prevention Program in an Urban Medically Underserved Community

Abstract

This study evaluated the effectiveness of participation in the National Diabetes Prevention Program (NDPP) for weight reduction in a sample of prediabetic individuals in an urban medically underserved community. The NDPP was developed from research demonstrating a reduced risk for diabetes in prediabetic individuals who participated in an intensive lifestyle intervention program aimed at reducing weight and improving lifestyle habits. The NDPP was integrated into existing services within a medically underserved urban community health center to provide this evidence-based program targeted to high-risk prediabetic patients. The participants received weekly group sessions aligning with the 2012 NDPP curriculum. Study data was obtained through the 16-session core program of the NDPP. Pre-test, post-test paired group t-tests were completed to evaluate the change in mean weight and body mass index (BMI) at the beginning and end of the core program. Correlational analyses were completed to evaluate the association between weight change, age, gender, number of sessions attended, and total minutes of physical activity. Twelve participants initiated the program, and eight completed at least four of the 16 sessions. The mean weight loss for all participants was 5.3 pounds, and 7.4 pounds for those who completed at least four sessions. There was a significant difference in pre-weight, post-weight and BMI (p