Frequently Asked Questions
- I have diabetes. Can I join DPP?
Unfortunately, no. To be eligible for DPP, you must have or be at high risk for having prediabetes. For more information about who can join a DPP, go to the Beat Diabetes home page: BEAT DIABETES – Living Healthy Hawaii. - If I can’t join a DPP because I already have diabetes, where can I go to learn how to manage and get support for my diabetes?
First, find out if your healthcare provider or health insurance plan offers diabetes education classes. If not, here are some links to organizations that offer diabetes education classes.Diabetes self-management education and support programs (DSMES): Click the links and type ‘Hawaii’ in the search tool.
Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists (ADCES) – accredited programs: https://www.adces.org/program-finder
American Diabetes Association (ADA) – recognized programs: https://diabetes.org/tools-resources/diabetes-education-programs
Diabetes self-management programs (DSMP), also known as Better Choice Better Health (BCBH):
National Kidney Foundation of Hawaii: Prevent Diabetes & Kidney Disease – National Kidney Foundation of Hawaii (kidneyhi.org)
Hawaii Healthy Aging Partnership: Living Well with Diabetes — Hawai‘i Healthy Aging Partnership (hawaiihealthyaging.org)
- Do I need a doctor to refer me?
A doctor’s referral is not required to join a DPP. However, it is recommended that you discuss any specific health concerns with your health care provider prior to joining. - How are DPP classes delivered?
DPP providers in Hawaii offer in-person (meet face-to-face with participants and your Lifestyle Coach) and distance learning (interact with other participants and your Lifestyle Coach via a conference call or through Zoom, Skype, Google Meets, etc.) delivery. - Is this program just about losing weight and exercising?
While weight loss is a goal of this program, the program is not just about a specific diet or exercise program. DPP was designed to help people make more informed choices and make lasting changes in their lives. You will not be told to do specific exercises or to join a gym, but you will learn to try new things, share your experiences with others and build new habits. You will also learn how to improve your overall health and, in doing so, reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. - Will this program help me to eat and cook better?
A specially trained lifestyle coach will provide handouts and other resources while helping you learn new skills that include cooking healthier and being more physically active. But the program is so much more than that.Your lifestyle coach will help you set and meet goals (along with the other members participating in the program with you) and help everyone stay motivated. The lifestyle coach will also make sure the program is fun and engaging.You will be supported by a group of people with similar goals and challenges for lifestyle change. There will be opportunities to talk with your lifestyle coach and others participating in the program between the regularly scheduled weekly meetings. - What if I miss a few classes?
Class attendance is expected. Sometimes, missing a class cannot be avoided. Your coach is committed to helping you be successful, and may be able to work with you on completing the session activity plan and goals you missed. - What is the cost of DPP?
Many health insurance companies cover participation in DPP. Work with your health care organization to verify your insurance or other coverage options. - Can I sign up someone else for DPP?
You may sign someone up for DPP if you are that person’s caregiver. However, he/she must attend the DPP classes. You may not attend classes for that person. - Can my caregiver, spouse, or other family member attend classes with me?
Having someone else attend classes with you can help with your attendance and with turning what you’ve learned into action. If you want someone to attend with you, talk it over with your Lifestyle Coach. Keep in mind that it is not guaranteed and is subject to availability of space in the class.