Category: Diabetes Management and Prevention, Featured
“I knew it was time for a change. It was simply time for me to get my health moving in the right direction.”
For years, Dimond Decuir battled an assortment of health challenges, including high blood pressure and prediabetes. After undergoing weight loss surgery in 2020, Dimond knew she needed to make healthy changes to her life. Through the Foundation for Wellness, an Acadiana-based health education organization, she was connected to the National Diabetes Prevention Program, or National DPP.
The National DPP is a CDC-sponsored program that encourages partnerships between public and private organizations working to prevent and/or delay type 2 diabetes. The 12-month program provides an easy-to-use curriculum and tools that people with prediabetes or at risk for diabetes can use to prevent the disease.
Best of all, patients can access this program virtually from the comfort of their home.
“I can’t tell you just how much of a blessing this program has been in my life,” Dimond said. “With the help of my coach, Mr. Bradley, and through the support I received from other members of this virtual community, I was able to turn my health around. Over the course of this program, I got my blood pressure under control, learned about healthy eating habits and lost 10 pounds!”
With a 9-month-old baby at home, plus a very demanding job serving students and their families with the Iberville Parish School District, Dimond’s favorite part of the program was its flexibility and the ability to move through the program at her own pace.
“After returning to work from maternity leave, starting back at school was stressful,” Dimond said. “Engaging with my National DPP community brought me so much relief. And, best of all, the program is very flexible. I was able to watch programs online and access resources in the evening and at other times when I had availability.
“I strongly encourage anybody struggling with diabetes to consider the National DPP. You will be amazed at how much you can accomplish through this virtual community!”
Dr. Margaret Evans, founder and CEO of True Care Health and Wellness Center, shares Dimond’s enthusiasm for the National DPP.
Dr. Evans specializes in preventing diseases and alleviating pain through the art and science of healing. From guiding her patients through injury to helping them reach their weight management goals, she employs a comprehensive, holistic treatment approach uniquely tailored to the specific needs of her patients.
Dr. Evans sees many Black female patients suffering from diabetes or at risk of developing diabetes—people like Dimond. Most live in nearby rural communities with little access to health care services. She knew the best way to serve these patients was to connect them to the National DPP.
What really drew Dr. Evans to the National DPP was the program’s accessibility and affordability for low-income and underserved patients. As a native of Chaneyville, a small community outside of Zachary, Dr. Evans understood the challenges and barriers that underserved, rural residents must overcome to access care.
“My patients love the virtual National DPP classes—this has been such a positive experience for them,” she said. “Since they can access these virtual services from their homes, they feel much more comfortable. Together, we work on meal planning and implementing healthy lifestyle changes. They are given the resources they need to manage their diabetes and prevent it from getting out of control.”
Patients and healthcare providers agree—the National DPP is a proven and effective way to improve the health and well-being of residents across our state.
Now’s the Time to Prevent Diabetes
We encourage you to take the lead in your community! Learn more about the National DPP, how to find one in your area and how you can start a program.
