Research Description

One-in-four youth in the US are currently living with prediabetes, most of whom don’t even know they have prediabetes, and those with social or economic disadvantages are even more likely to be affected. Without intervention, prediabetes is likely to progress into type 2 diabetes within 10 years. With lifestyle changes and weight loss, prediabetes can be reversed. However, adolescents/young adults (AYA) are the least likely to access proven diabetes prevention programs that can help them reduce their diabetes risk and build a healthier future. This purpose of this study is to address this missed opportunity for prevention by testing youth-focused enhancements to the delivery of diabetes prevention programs for vulnerable AYA. In order to achieve this goal, investigators will test program enhancements (developed with input from key stakeholders) to determine if they are effective at helping AYA to enroll in the program, stay in the program, and make positive lifestyle changes during the program. Investigators will then follow-up with successful participants to understand how this program can be successfully implemented in other settings. Prevention is key and targeted prevention earlier on in someone’s life has the opportunity to create the maximum impact across their life course. This project can make a significant contribution to how diabetes prevention is done but helping to ensure that prevention efforts are started as early as possible and that those efforts are directed to people who are most at risk of experiencing long-term impacts on their health.