Diabetes Prevention Program

Recruiting for Fall 2024 Start - Accepted on Rolling Admission

Did you know?

One out of three American adults has prediabetes. If you have prediabetes, you can make changes now to improve your health and prevent type 2 diabetes.

People with prediabetes — higher-than-normal blood glucose (sugar) levels — are five to 15 times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than those with normal blood glucose levels. In fact, many people with prediabetes can be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes within five years.

PreventT2 with BGSU

Bowling Green State University provides a free, virtual Diabetes Prevention Program to help reduce type 2 diabetes in the residents of Wood County. The program focuses on serving those who need it most – Wood County residents who may not have access to health and wellness guidance through traditional channels. Eligible participants will learn how to prevent type 2 diabetes through lifestyle changes such as healthy eating, physical activity, and managing stress. BGSU faculty and staff are also eligible to participate in the program.

PreventT2 Program Format

Apart from one or two activities held in-person during the orientation and program wrap-up, educational sessions will be held via HIPAA compliant distance learning software, allowing participants to join from home.

Could you have prediabetes?

People are more likely to have prediabetes and type 2 diabetes if they:

Are 45 years of age or older;
Are overweight;
Have a family history of type 2 diabetes;
Are physically active fewer than three times per week; or
Have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes during pregnancy or gave birth to a baby weighing more than 9 pounds.

Take the Test

PreventT2 groups meet virtually for one year — three to four times a month for the first six months, then once or twice a month for the second six months to maintain healthy lifestyle changes (a total of 22 sessions). Participants can join via phone, computer, or tablet. Sessions last 30-60 minutes and are scheduled at a set time, typically Friday afternoon. The program’s group setting provides a supportive environment with people facing similar challenges and making the same changes.

Participants will learn how to eat healthily, add physical activity to their routine, manage stress, stay motivated, and solve problems that can get in the way of healthy changes. Together participants will celebrate their successes and find ways to overcome obstacles.

Assess your risk and contact your provider to fill out the referral form. The form can be completed electronically using the link shared below.

For more information, contact us at nutritionclinic@bgsu.edu or leave a message at: 419-372-8316.

PreventT2 Client Eligibility

Clients referred to the DPP must be:

18 years or older
Not currently pregnant
Have a body mass index of greater than or equal to 25 kg/m2 (greater than or equal to 23 kg/m2 if Asian American)
Have a positive screening for prediabetes based on the PreDiabetes Risk Test or have a blood test result within one year indicating prediabetes or have a previous diagnosis of gestational diabetes during a previous pregnancy

Exclusion criteria:

Clients cannot have a diagnosis of type 1 or type 2 diabetes
Clients cannot be pregnant

Provider Referral Form

For instructions on how to refer and a copy of the referral form, please download the attached resource.

If you are a potential client, you can also initiate the referral process. Email the referral link to your provider's office.

With PreventT2, you will get:

A proven program to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes
A CDC-approved curriculum and trained lifestyle coach
A year-long program with weekly meetings for the first six months, then once or twice a month for the second six months
Support from others like you as you learn new skills

Join the PreventT2 program so you can keep doing the things you love.

The PreventT2 lifestyle coaches have the experience and training to help you reach your goals.

Your lifestyle coach will help you:

Learn the facts about healthy eating and physical activity and explain how these behaviors will help reduce your risk for type 2 diabetes
Set and meet your goals
Build relationships with other participants
Work as a group to meet challenges

Kerri L. Knippen, PhD, RDN, LDN, BC-ADM, FAND

Position: Diabetes Prevention Program Coordinator, Lifestyle Coach
Phone: 419-372-8316
Email: nutritionclinic@bgsu.edu
Address: 122 Health & Human Services Building

Kerri Knippen has been a dietitian since 2006 and board certified in advanced diabetes management since 2008. She worked for many years providing outpatient diabetes education prior to coming to BGSU. She has prior experience with diabetes prevention programs and is very excited to have this program available in Wood County. Dr. Knippen is a lifestyle coach for the DPP, the DPP coordinator, and oversees students in the nutrition clinic.

Laura Brubaker, MFN, RDN, LD

Position: Assistant Clinical Professor, Lifestyle Coach
Email: nutritionclinic@bgsu.edu

Brubaker is a registered and licensed dietitian with numerous years of experience. Brubaker is an alum of BGSU and recently joined BGSU as a full time faculty member. Laura completed the lifestyle coach training this year and brings her numerous years of expertise to the program.