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Refer to the National Diabetes Prevention Program

What is the National Diabetes Program?

Three men sitting on a bench facing away from the camera. They are patting each other's backs.

The National Diabetes Prevention Program (National DPP) is a CDC-recognized lifestyle change program. It is a yearlong, structured intervention for individuals at risk for diabetes that helps participants make healthy and sustainable behavior changes and achieve weight loss. The curriculum is approved by the CDC who provides oversight and quality assurance of the program.

The program is delivered by a trained Lifestyle Coach who works to empower each participant to adopt the skills needed to improve their lifestyle and overall well-being.

The National DPP is covered by many employers and insurance plans in Colorado. The cost varies by program, with many at no-cost and reduced-price offerings available. It is also covered at no out-of-pocket cost for Medicare Part B beneficiaries when signed up with a program that is a Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program (Medicare DPP) supplier.

How to make a referral

National Diabetes Prevention Program (National DPP) referrals

Step 1: Determine if your patient qualifies for the National DPP.

To participate in the National DPP, your patient's risk of developing type 2 diabetes will need to meet ALL FOUR of the following requirements:

  1. Be 18 years or older.
  2. Have a body mass index (BMI) of 25 or higher (23 or higher if Asian American).
  3. Not be previously diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
  4. Not be pregnant.

Patients will also need to meet one of the following requirements:

  1. Had a blood test result in the prediabetes range within the past year (includes any of these tests and results):
    • Hemoglobin A1c: 5.7–6.4%.
    • Fasting plasma glucose: 100–125 mg/dL.
    • Two-hour plasma glucose (after a 75 g glucose load): 140–199 mg/dL.
  2. Be previously diagnosed with gestational diabetes.
  3. Received a high-risk result (score of 5 or higher) on the Prediabetes Risk Test. Print and share the Prediabetes Risk Test with your patients.

Step 2: Find a National Diabetes Prevention Program near your patient.

Step 3: Download and fill out the National DPP prescription form to fax to a program or give to your patient today.

How to talk to your patients about the National DPP

Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program (Medicare DPP) referrals

Is your patient enrolled in Medicare Part B? If so, they may be eligible for Medicare DPP (MDPP), which is part of the National Diabetes Prevention Program. 

Step 1: Determine if your patient qualifies for the Medicare DPP.

To participate in the MDPP, your patient meet the following eligibility requirements:

  • Enrollment in Medicare Part B through original Medicare (fee-for-service) or a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan.
  • Body mass index (BMI) of 25 or higher (23 or higher if you self-identify as Asian).
  • Results from any one of these three blood tests within a year of starting the program:
    • Hemoglobin A1c test result of 5.7%–6.4%.
    • Fasting plasma glucose test: 110–125 mg/dL.
    • Oral glucose tolerance test: 140–199 mg/dL.
  • No history of type 1 or type 2 diabetes (gestational diabetes is acceptable).
  • No current end-stage kidney disease.

Step 2: Find a Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program near your patient.

Step 3: Download and fill out the National DPP prescription form (there is not a separate Medicare DPP form) to fax to a program or give to your patient today.

How to talk to your patients about the Medicare DPP