The YDPP is a 16-session group behavior change class that helps people at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes prevent the disease through healthy eating, increased activity and other positive lifestyle changes.
The impact of type 2 diabetes is costly and significant, both in health outcomes as well as financial resources, reaching an estimated $6.6 billion in annual costs in NYC, according to NYC DOHMH. This chronic disease also underscores considerable health disparities in predominantly African-American, Latino and low-income communities, with rates of diabetes in NYC’s lowest-income households twice that of NYC’s highest-income households.
“Diabetes has had a devastating effect on every community in New York City, but through the help of programs like the YDPP, we are gaining valuable ground in the fight against prediabetes and diabetes,” said Dr. Deneen Vojta, senior vice president, UnitedHealth Center for Health Reform and Modernization and one of the key architects of the UnitedHealth Group Diabetes Prevention and Control Alliance. “UnitedHealth Group is proud to work with the YMCA to expand the YDPP to new neighborhoods and communities and help people at risk for developing diabetes improve their health and their lives.”
The YDPP uses a group-based lifestyle intervention designed especially for people at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes.In a group setting, a trained YMCA lifestyle coach helps participants to eat healthier, increase their physical activity and learn about other behavior modifications over the 16-session program. After the initial 16 core sessions, participants meet monthly for added support to help them maintain their progress.
YDPP classes will be offered at the following Y branches in the fall:
Last year, UnitedHealth Group – which is offering the YDPP program to other health insurers and plan sponsors – created the Diabetes Prevention and Control Alliance (DPCA) to help address the nation’s growing diabetes epidemic. The Alliance marks the first time in the United States that a health plan is paying for evidence-based diabetes prevention and engaging pharmacists to support critical diabetes management programs. Currently, DPCA services are available at no out-of-pocket cost to participants enrolled in employer-provided health insurance plans through UnitedHealthcare and Medica in select markets.