DPP (Diabetes Preventative Program) Specialist

What is DPP?

DPP is a diabetes prevention program available at NutriD. The program was established and certified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to prevent diabetes if you have pre-diabetes or are at risk of developing it.

Pre-diabetes is a condition that often precedes diabetes, and it is reversible with the right healthy lifestyle habits.

Is DPP right for me?

DPP is a good option if you have diabetes risk factors or experience symptoms of the disease. Examples include increases in thirst or urination, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, extreme hunger, blurred vision, and slow-healing sores or frequent infections.

Diabetes risk factors include:

• Overweight
• Obesity
• Poor dietary habits
• Physical inactivity
• Family history of diabetes
• Older age
• History of gestational diabetes
• Polycystic ovary syndrome in women
• High cholesterol
• High blood pressure

Complications associated with untreated diabetes can include heart problems, kidney damage, vision problems, nerve and foot damage, and depression.

If you have one or more diabetes risk factors, or a blood test indicates your blood sugar is higher than normal, you’re a good candidate for the DPP diabetes prevention program.

What should I expect during DPP visits?

When you arrive at NutriD for a DPP consultation, your provider weighs you. They check your blood pressure and other vital signs. Your provider reviews your usual diet and physical activity patterns, medical history, lifestyle, and food preferences.

The nutritionists at NutriD counsel you about ways to decrease your risk of developing diabetes. Examples include:

Dietary changes

Making dietary changes is often an effective diabetes prevention strategy. Examples include choosing foods lower in calories, refined carbohydrates, and saturated fat. Focus on vegetables, protein foods, fruits, whole grains, and heart-healthy fats. The team at NutriD can develop custom meal and menu plans just for you.

Physical activity

Staying active is one of the best ways to prevent diabetes if you’re at risk of developing it. Aim to get at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week, and stay active all throughout the day. The nutritionists at NutriD can help you develop a personalized workout routine.

Weight loss

Achieving or maintaining a healthy weight is an effective diabetes prevention solution. The NutriD team offers weight loss counseling to help to reach your goal weight and maintain it for life. If you plan to have bariatric surgery in the future, they also offer pre- and post-bariatric nutrition counseling.

Weekly classes

NutriD offers weekly classes to better educate you about ways to reduce you and your family’s risk of diabetes. The team works directly with insurance providers to cover this service.

Take steps to avoid developing diabetes and complications associated with the disease. Learn more about DPP at NutriD by scheduling an appointment by phone or online.