The Rapides Foundation’s Healthy Lifestyle Program offers a nationally recognized, proven program to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes. The 12-month PreventT2 program is a yearlong support group offered in the region to eligible Central Louisiana residents.

Support groups are scheduled to begin in multiple parishes throughout the year. Once a group is announced in a parish, recruitment for participants begins. If you believe you are at risk for developing diabetes, have been diagnosed with prediabetes or had gestational diabetes in the past, but have not already been diagnosed with diabetes, this free opportunity may be right for you.

People with prediabetes — higher-than-normal blood glucose (sugar) levels — are 5 to 15 times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than those with normal blood glucose levels. One in three American adults has prediabetes, so the need for prevention has never been greater.

The PreventT2 program offers a proven approach to prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes through modest lifestyle changes made with the support of a coach and one’s peers. Participants learn how to eat healthy, add physical activity to their routine, manage stress, stay motivated, and solve problems that can get in the way of healthy changes. Research shows that these modest behavior changes can reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 58% in people who are at high risk for developing this disease.

PreventT2 groups meet for a year — in one-hour weekly sessions for the first 16 weeks, then once or twice a month for the rest of the year to maintain healthy lifestyle changes. The program’s group setting provides a supportive environment with people who are facing similar challenges and trying to make the same changes.

The program is part of the National Diabetes Prevention Program, led by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Central Louisiana groups will be led by Healthy Lifestyle Program staff, who have been trained to use the CDC-approved PreventT2 curriculum and have the knowledge and skills needed to effectively deliver the program.

The Healthy Lifestyle Program brought PreventT2 to three locations in 2022. Cohorts from Avoyelles and Vernon parishes began their journeys early in the year, and a Rapides Parish group began in the fall. Another group began early 2023 in Winn Parish. Sessions include private weigh-ins and structured lessons. Participants submit food and activity trackers and learn how to maintain the knowledge they gain from each session.

Participants must be 18 years of age or older. You may be eligible for the PreventT2 diabetes prevention program if you meet the following criteria:

• Are overweight (BMI greater than 24, greater than 22 if Asian);

• Diagnosed with prediabetes within the past year or with gestational diabetes

• Have risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes

• Have NOT had a previous diagnosis of type 1 or type 2 diabetes.

Download the to see if you are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes.

To participate in a support group or for more information, call the Healthy Lifestyle Program at (318) 767-3019.