The Diabetes Prevention Program: What It Is and How to Find One
The National Diabetes Prevention Program (National DPP) is a CDC-led, yearlong lifestyle change program for adults with prediabetes or at risk of type 2 diabetes. You can search for a program by ZIP code on the CDC’s finder. The CDC says these lifestyle changes can cut the risk of type 2 diabetes in half.
What the program is
- A year of support. The CDC describes a yearlong program focused on long-term change.
- A trained lifestyle coach leads the group and teaches eating, being active and handling stress.
- Goals: lower the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart attack and stroke, and feel more energetic (CDC).
- CDC-recognized. Programs must meet CDC standards to be listed, which is why we point to the finder and not to a private company.
If you have a history of disordered eating, tell the program and your care team before you start so the plan fits you.
How to find a program
- Open the CDC finder and enter a city, state or ZIP code.
- Choose a format: in person, live online, online at your own pace, or a mix. You can also filter by language.
- Contact the program to confirm times, cost and eligibility. Class details change.
- Ask your clinician for a referral if the program or your insurance requires one.
Not sure you have prediabetes?
Start with the prediabetes risk test, and ask for a blood test. The ADA lists the National DPP as a way to delay or prevent type 2 diabetes in people with prediabetes (Standards of Care 2026, Section 3). See can prediabetes be reversed for what the research shows.
Medicare
Medicare publication 11022 describes a Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program for people who meet its rules. It is separate from the supplies and services pages, so check Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE for your own eligibility.
Frequently asked questions
What is the National Diabetes Prevention Program?
It is a CDC-led partnership offering a yearlong lifestyle change program for people with prediabetes or at risk of type 2 diabetes. Trained lifestyle coaches lead group sessions on healthier eating, being more active and handling stress.
Does it work?
The CDC says people who make these lifestyle changes can cut their risk of type 2 diabetes in half. That comes from research that led to the program. Results vary and are not guaranteed.
Who can join?
People who have prediabetes or are at risk of type 2 diabetes and do not already have diabetes. Programs set their own details on eligibility, so confirm with the program.
What does it cost?
It depends on the program and your coverage. Some are free or covered by insurance, employers or Medicare. Medicare covers a diabetes prevention program for people who qualify; ask the program and check Medicare.gov.
Can I join online?
Often yes. The CDC finder lists in-person, live online, and online-at-your-own-pace programs, and you can filter by language.
Information only, not medical advice. Your care team may set different targets for you, and only a lab test ordered by a clinician can diagnose diabetes or prediabetes. See our medical disclaimer.
Sources
- CDC: National Diabetes Prevention Program lifestyle change program
- CDC: Find a lifestyle change program
- ADA Standards of Care in Diabetes—2026, Section 3: Prevention or Delay of Diabetes and Associated Comorbidities
- Medicare.gov: Medicare coverage of diabetes supplies, services and prevention programs (publication 11022)
Last reviewed: by the Diabetes Blogs editorial team. Information only, not medical advice.
