National Kidney Foundation of Michigan partners with Priority Health to Offer Diabetes Prevention Program in Grand Rapids

The National Kidney Foundation of Michigan (NKFM) has partnered with Priority Health to offer the Diabetes Prevention Program in Grand Rapids. The Diabetes Prevention Program is a 16-week long course, which helps those at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes to adopt and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Priority Health is offering this 16-week course free to members who qualify. Weekly meetings for the Diabetes Prevention Program will begin on Thursday, April 3. There will be two sessions available for participants to choose from: 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. or 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Weekly meetings will be held at the Mercy Health Wege Institute on the Mercy Health Saint Mary's Campus, located at 300 Lafayette Avenue Southeast in Grand Rapids.

The Diabetes Prevention Program’s results show that millions of high-risk people can modify their diet and exercise to lose a small amount of weight—5-7% of starting body weight—to delay or prevent the development of type 2 diabetes.

Participants in the lifestyle intervention group—those receiving intensive counseling on effective diet, exercise, and behavior modification—reduced their risk of developing diabetes by 58 percent. This finding was true across all participating ethnic groups and for both men and women. Lifestyle changes worked particularly well for participants aged 60 and older, reducing their risk by 71 percent.

“At Priority Health, we are committed to improving the health and lives of the people we serve,” said Michelle Buysse, Director, Care Management. “By partnering with the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan we are meeting that commitment and offering the community and our members a program that will help prevent the onset of a very difficult and costly disease.”

Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure, causing more than 40 percent of all kidney failure cases. However, type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed. Research shows that losing a moderate amount of weight and being physically active can help delay type 2 diabetes among those who are at risk.

“Diabetes is one of the most serious health challenges in America today,” said Dr. Art Franke, Senior VP and Chief Science Officer at the NKFM. “The Diabetes Prevention Program is a powerful answer because it provides participants with the tools to take greater control over their health and work toward living diabetes-free.”

The Diabetes Prevention Program meetings are one hour long and take place in a classroom setting where a trained lifestyle coach helps participants learn about behavior changes, including eating properly and increasing physical activity.  After the 16 sessions, participants will also meet monthly for one year for additional support.

There is no cost to participate in the Diabetes Prevention Program for Priority Health members. For non-Priority Health members who are interested in attending, please visit www.nkfm.org/dpp.  

To qualify for the Diabetes Prevention Program, participants must be overweight and at a high risk for developing diabetes, or overweight and diagnosed with prediabetes. Those interested in participating may consult with their doctor or take the CDC Prediabetes Test, available at www.nkfm.org/dpp. Participants are encouraged to register for the Diabetes Prevention Program by contacting Leigh Vogelsong at the NKFM at 800-482-1455 or by emailing [email protected]. For more information, visit www.nkfm.org/dpp.

The mission of the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan is to prevent kidney disease and improve the quality of life for those living with it. The NKFM is widely known for providing more programs and services to more people than any other region or state. The organization was recognized for its success in sound fiscal management by receiving a 4-star rating, six years in a row, from Charity Navigator—the nation’s leading charity evaluator.