Assessment of a National Diabetes Education Program diabetes prevention toolkit: The D2d experience

Background and purpose The National Diabetes Education Program created the Small Steps. Big Rewards. GAME PLAN. toolkit to deliver basic type 2 diabetes prevention information to individuals at risk. The purpose of this study is to test the impact of GAME PLAN on diabetes prevention knowledge and behavioral readiness in the vitamin D and type 2 diabetes (D2d) study and participant satisfaction with toolkit materials. Methods Three hundred sixty adults at risk for diabetes participating in the D2d study were enrolled. Participants took a pretest, were sent home with the GAME PLAN, then took a posttest at their next visit, 3 months later. The Wilcoxon‐signed rank test was used to examine changes in knowledge and behavioral readiness between scale scores pre‐ and posttest. Conclusions There were modest increases in composite diabetes prevention knowledge scores (p < .05) and behavioral readiness scores (p < .001) from pre‐ to posttest. Participants also reported at posttest that the toolkit materials were appropriate, comprehensive, and relevant. Implications for practice The GAME PLAN health education materials improve knowledge and behavioral readiness among adults at risk for diabetes. Providers can use GAME PLAN as one component of diabetes prevention education.