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Story in Brief

Complications from diabetes and high blood pressure are among the top six leading causes of death in Athens-Clarke County. The UGA Extension agent in Clarke County was trained as a Lifestyle Coach through the Centers for Disease and Prevention and Emory University to market, recruit participants and deliver the National Diabetes Prevention Program. These adults had received a medical diagnosis of pre-diabetes, or were considered high risk due to age, weight, race and/or ethnic background and family history. The goal of the year-long program is to reverse the diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes through a series of behavioral changes, specifically moderate weight loss and increased physical activity. The agent was selected to lead the initial pilot group of participants for the University System of Georgia pilot for the program. The long-range plan is for the University System Well-being program to offer the DPP opportunity on each of the 26 system schools main and satellite campuses.