A rural pathway to prevent diabetes in NE CO

My doctor recently told me I am on a path to developing diabetes. I have "prediabetes" and really need to focus on diet and exercise. But I love meat, potatoes, tortillas and a weekly donut. Can I keep the things I love while also focusing on my prediabetes?

In the United States, 38 percent of people have prediabetes and this condition is more prevalent in rural areas such as Northeast Colorado than in urban regions. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention developed a program in 2002 called "Prevent T2" to help individuals with prediabetes prevent the progression to full-blown diabetes. Although the program can be effective, it was not specifically designed for individuals living in rural communities. The key predictor of success for prediabetes care is weight loss. The Prevent T2 program recommends reducing daily calorie intake to achieve this. However, people often struggle to stick to this recommendation due to cultural, livelihood, and access to healthy foods.

Agriculture plays an important role in the dietary options of Northeastern Colorado. Many people in this region raise livestock in their backyards, which significantly influences their diets. Additionally, our diets are influenced by the area's Hispanic culture. However, fresh produce is often limited in availability and can be expensive. This presents a challenge to those who follow restricted diets or have limited access to other food options in our region.

The High Plains Research Network, in collaboration with researchers at Colorado University Anschutz Medical Campus, is working on a project to prevent diabetes that allows for great dietary options and is designed for rural communities. The Prevent T2+Choice program has been developed by HPRN's community partners, local clinicians and clinic leaders, dietitians and several people with prediabetes. This team helped shape the curriculum to reflect Northeast Colorado and rural communities.

Participants in the Prevent T2+Choice program meet virtually one hour a week for 16 weeks. They will also have 1-on-1 appointments with local nutritionists, get several medical tests done (A1c, Continuous Glucose Monitoring, Activity Monitor), receive their own digital scale and receive a small financial compensation.

This is an incredible opportunity to participate in a program that can help prevent diabetes while providing important feedback.

If you are curious about this program or would like to participate, please contact the team at [email protected]. By participating, you will receive support tailored to your needs and play a part in shaping diabetes prevention in your community.