Evaluation of a Telehealth DPP With Medicare Patients at the University of Mississippi Medical Center

Individuals with prediabetes can mitigate the risks and costs of diabetes by taking preventative action, such as participation in a National Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP). The DPP began as a multisite randomized controlled trial demonstrating the effectiveness and cost-benefit of a 12-month intensive lifestyle intervention over pharmaceutical treatment for preventing or delaying diabetes among prediabetic participants. In 2010, Congress authorized the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to lead the dissemination of the DPP as a targeted approach (high risk populations) and population-based strategy to reduce the incidence of diabetes and diabetes-related healthcare costs. The goal is to achieve modest weight loss (7%) by developing and implementing behavior change skills resulting in lifestyle modifications such as physical activity (150 minutes per week) and dietary and nutritional practices.