“Helping people at risk for diabetes develop new habits, so they are no longer at risk, is my goal,” says Diane Bertalan, Director of Community Health for Ascension Michigan in Detroit, MI.
It is also the goal and purpose of the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP).
Certified through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), DPP is a year-long program aimed at preventing or delaying those at risk from developing the disease. DPP coaches complete and receive certification from the CDC to facilitate group sessions for eligible participants who are over 18 years of age and not diagnosed as diabetic.
According to the CDC, more than 37 million Americans have diabetes, and an estimated $327 billion is spent annually to treat diabetes which is equivalent to one in four dollars spent on healthcare.
Helping people avoid the onset of diabetes is critical because the disease sets in motion numerous other health conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, circulatory problems, kidney disease, possible blindness and more. Those most at risk for developing diabetes are persons who are overweight or obese (a BMI greater than 25), live a sedentary lifestyle, over the age of 45, have a family history of the disease, and of African American, American Indian, Native Alaska or Hispanic descent.
Embracing healthy eating habits and proper nutrition are key in helping a person effectively manage their weight and reducing the risk. “The program helps you take control of your health. You can’t change your age, family history or ethnicity, but you can lose weight, reduce stress and become more active,” says Diane.
Southeast Michigan has seen a rise in diabetes diagnosis and a need for more preventive care according to Ascension St. John Hospital’s Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA).The CHNA was created to understand the most significant health needs of our patients across southeast Michigan and how to care for those needs. To better serve our community, the Diabetes Prevention Program was developed to help prevent more diagnosis. The program is primarily staffed by community health workers who serve as life coaches for program participants, and focus on meeting people where they are as they build a trusting relationship. Some of the community health workers even live in the community where the program is offered. Nurses and doctors are also involved in the program’s supervision.
“The community health worker approach is working. In one of the lowest income communities, where the incidence of diabetes is extremely high, response to the DPP has been overwhelmingly positive and we’ve recently started a second program at a local church,” says Diane.
The program recently received additional funding from the Michigan Public Health Institute to help expand the program in Wayne County and other communities.
At present, 40 persons are enrolled in Ascension DPP programs across Southeast Michigan. They have declared 2024 their year of good health. Most report at least a 5% weight loss and are working to increase their physical activity. They also report feeling less stressed.
“In families where there is a history of diabetes, our hope is to break the cycle. Just because your parents or siblings have the disease doesn’t mean that you are destined to develop it,” says Diane.
To learn more about the Diabetes Prevention Program call 248-849-3365.