North Central Health District

Macon-Bibb County Health Department opens applications for Diabetes Prevention Program

Posted March 25, 2024 by Michael Hokanson

The Macon-Bibb County Health Department (MBCHD) has opened enrollment for its second annual Center for Disease Control and Prevention Type 2 Diabetes Prevention Recognition Program.

During last year’s program, seven participants achieved phenomenal results by losing a collective total of 150 lbs.

“Enrolling in our Diabetes Prevention Program is an investment in a healthier future because of its proven track record and knowledgeable advice,” says Joy Harris, Macon-Bibb County Health Department Health Educator and leader of last year’s class.

The program is geared toward people classified as prediabetic with a blood sugar level above normal but not high enough to be considered diabetic. It utilizes a CDC-approved curriculum and evidence-based tactics like dietary adjustments, increased physical activity, and weight loss to promote systemic long-term change.

“Our Diabetes Prevention Program provides the necessary support and guidance for a healthy lifestyle, acting as an assistance to those who are at risk for Type 2 diabetes,” says Harris. “Participating in this program can help people adopt proven strategies like losing weight, developing healthier eating habits, and increasing their physical activity levels, which can dramatically lower their risk of type 2 diabetes. With the knowledge and resources from this program, individuals may take charge of their health and avoid developing a condition that could change their life.”

The 2024-2025 program is a year-long series that begins in April 2024 and meets twice a month until the completion of the course in April 2025. A trained lifestyle coach will lead the program, help participants learn new skills, set weight loss goals, and celebrate success within the support group.

To be eligible for the program, you must:

1. Be 18 years or older.
2. Have a body mass index (BMI) of 25 or higher (23 or higher if Asian American).
3. Not be previously diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
4. Not be pregnant.

To enroll and learn more information, please call the MBCHD’s Health Education team at (478) 745-0411, extension 4.

Why It Works:

Clinical trials have shown that completing the CDC Diabetes Prevention Recognition Program reduces program participants’ chances of developing type 2 diabetes by 58% compared to the placebo (71% for individuals aged 60 or older, nearly twice as much as the reduction among the group taking metformin (31%).

A 10-year follow-up study showed that participants were still one-third less likely to develop type 2 diabetes a decade later than individuals who took a placebo. Those who did develop type 2 diabetes delayed the onset of the disease by about four years.

Diabetes Facts:

• Approximately 1 million people (12.4%) in Georgia have been diagnosed with diabetes, and an additional 230,000 people unknowingly have diabetes.
• Between 2014 and 2018, diabetes caused 104,098 hospitalizations and 154,761 ER visits in Georgia.
• There are over 2 million Georgians who have prediabetes, a condition that can be prevented from becoming a full diabetes diagnosis through weight loss, increased physical activity, and better nutrition.

Additional information about the CDC Diabetes Prevention Recognition Program can be found at cdc.gov/diabetes/prevention/why-refer.

Learn more about diabetes statistics in Georgia at dph.georgia.gov/chronic-disease-prevention/diabetes.