Diabetes Prevention and Treatment Programs for Western PA FY04 and FY05

Statistics show that over 66% of American adults, or more than 127 million, are overweight or obese. There is a strong link between obesity and diabetes. As the rates of obesity rise, so will the epidemic of diabetes. Diabetes is the fifth leading cause of death by disease in the United States, and annual costs are $132 billion. Without proper medical care and patient education, individuals with diabetes will experience devastating, costly complications. Research shows that if patients at risk for developing diabetes make lifestyle changes, they can decrease their chance of progressing to diabetes by 59%. For those with diabetes, complications can be prevented and/or delayed with proper treatment and education. Building on previous work done by UPMC and the University of Pittsburgh, the focus of this program was to implement and evaluate comprehensive diabetes prevention and treatment programs disseminated throughout diverse practice settings and communities. In order to test the applicability of prevention and treatment modalities to diverse communities and racial and ethnic groups, we included initiatives targeted to underserved and military populations. To increase reach and access, we incorporated web-based tools and telecommunications technologies into our multi-faceted approach to prevention and treatment. As a result of the program, we were able to provide the AF SGR rationale for the implementation of the diabetes prevention and treatment programs, and assist them with such implementation. The work accomplished through these project years formed the basis of subsequent efforts to further demonstrate cost-effectiveness and sustainability.