What is the National Diabetes Prevention Program?
The National Diabetes Prevention Program (National DPP) is a CDC-recognized lifestyle change program. It is a yearlong, structured intervention for individuals at risk for diabetes that helps participants make healthy and sustainable behavior changes and achieve weight loss. The curriculum is approved by the CDC which provides oversight and quality assurance of the program.
The program is delivered by a trained Lifestyle Coach who works to empower each participant to adopt the skills needed to improve their lifestyle and overall well-being.
- Many employers and insurance plans in Colorado cover the National DPP.
- The cost varies by program, with many no-cost and reduced-price offerings available.
- It is also covered at no out-of-pocket cost for Medicare Part B beneficiaries when signed up with a program that is a Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program (Medicare DPP) supplier.
Connect and refer to the National DPP
Step 1: Determine if your patient qualifies for the National DPP
To participate in the National DPP, your patients’ risk of developing type 2 diabetes will need to meet ALL four of the following requirements:
- Be 18 years or older.
- Have a body mass index (BMI) of 25 or higher (23 or higher if Asian American).
- Not be previously diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
- Not be pregnant.
Patients will also need to meet one of these requirements:
- Had a blood test result in the prediabetes range within the past year (includes any of these tests and results):
- Hemoglobin A1C: 5.7–6.4%.
- Fasting plasma glucose: 100–125 mg/dL.
- Two-hour plasma glucose (after a 75 g glucose load): 140–199 mg/dL.
- Be previously diagnosed with gestational diabetes.
- Received a high-risk result (score of 5 or higher) on the Prediabetes Risk Test. Print and share the CDC's Prediabetes Risk Test (PDF) with your patients.
Step 2: Find a National DPP near your patient
- Use the 2-1-1 Colorado map to find a Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program near your patient.
Step 3: Download and fill out the National DPP prescription form to fax to a program or give to your patient today.
Connect and refer to Medicare DPP (MDPP)
Is your patient enrolled in Medicare Part B? If so, they may be eligible for Medicare DPP (MDPP), which is part of the National Diabetes Prevention Program.
Step 1: Determine if your patient qualifies for MDPP
To participate in the MDPP, your patient must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Enrollment in Medicare Part B through original Medicare (fee-for-service) or a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan.
- Body mass index (BMI) of 25 or higher (23 or higher if you self-identify as Asian).
- Results from any one of these three blood tests within a year of starting the program:
- Fasting plasma glucose test result of 110–125 mg/dL.
- Oral glucose tolerance test result of 140–199 mg/dL.
- HbA1C test result of 5.7%–6.4%.
- No history of type 1 or type 2 diabetes (gestational diabetes is acceptable).
- No current end-stage kidney disease.
Step 2: Find a Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program near your patient.
- Use the map of MDPP Suppliers furnishing MDPP Services to find a National DPP near your patient. (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services website)
Step 3: Download and fill out the National DPP prescription form to fax to a program or give to your patient today. (please note: there is not a separate MDPP form)