VCE Diabetes Prevention Program
Join the VCE Diabetes Prevention Program
The VCE Diabetes Prevention Program is a year-long, tested lifestyle change program for people who are at risk for developing diabetes.
What are the goals of the VCE Diabetes Prevention Program?
The goals of the program are to lose 5-7% of starting body weight and to achieve and maintain at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity a week. Achieving these two goals has been proven to reduce the risk of developing diabetes and promote overall health.
Who is eligible for the VCE Diabetes Prevention Program?
To be eligible for the program you must be overweight or obese and know that you are at risk for diabetes. You can determine that you are at risk for diabetes in three ways:
Have a diagnosis of prediabetes through a blood test.
Determine your risk through the CDC diabetes risk survey (link to the survey)
Have a history of gestational diabetes
Program Highlights:
The DPP programs are:
Led by a trained lifestyle coach to make realistic, lasting lifestyle changes.
Based on proven strategies to help you set goals for change and accomplish them.
Interactive and help you discover how to make changes in diet and physical activity that work for you in a fun and supportive environment.
More than just about diet as you learn to manage stress, stay motivated, and overcome challenges.
Supportive as you get and give help with a group of people of similar goals and challenges.
The VCE Diabetes Prevention Program provides continuous support for a full year for those looking to make lifestyle changes. Groups meet weekly for the first 4 months, biweekly for 2 months, and then once a month for the second 6 months to maintain healthy lifestyle changes.
Each session is led by a trained lifestyle coach who guides you to make realistic and lasting lifestyle changes. Programs are offered locally in-person and remotely on Zoom!
Session topics help you to:
Eat healthy
Be more physical activity
Manage stress
Stay on track when eating out
Understand and respond to food cues
Stay motivated
Solve problems that can get in the way of healthy changes
What is the cost of the VCE Diabetes Prevention Program
This program is free to qualifying participants. Fees are covered by a grant from the Virginia Department of Health.
Find out if you are eligible
To learn more and discuss your eligibility, complete this brief form. You will be contacted by a lifestyle coach in your area. If you are ready to lose a moderate amount of weight, get more active, and develop new eating patterns, this program may be right for you.
TEstimonials
“At my last routine wellness checkup with my primary care provider, I was told that I was pre-diabetic. Being 51 years old and not taking any prescription medicines, I thought my whole world was about to change and, boy, did it! At about the same time, I was given the opportunity to participate in the VCE Diabetes Prevention Program. This program is truly a lifesaver. It is helping me to make the changes not only for me, but my husband as well, to help us eat healthier and take control of our futures. It really helps to travel this journey with a great group of people for a support system and to have an awesome lifestyle coach, who offers us guidance and encouragement along the way!”
Donna P., Age 51, Roanoke, VA
“I am so glad I joined the Diabetes Prevention class. I did not push myself in the past to exercise very much because I have asthma. Being part of the group has made me want to change my habits. The lifestyle coach and the group members have been so encouraging. Our coach has given us great advice and she has sent me some yummy recipes. My stamina has increased and I have switched to a healthier diet."
Karen, Roanoke, VA
If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact Kimberly Butterfield at (540) 772-7524 or mskimb8@vt.edu during business hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.