Diabetes Prevention Program at Holy Cross Health is helping at-risk individuals
April 8, 2026Categories: Diabetes Prevention & Education
Across the U.S., more than 115 million adults are living with prediabetes—and many are completely unaware of their condition. Since prediabetes rarely causes noticeable symptoms, it’s often identified during routine checkups or screenings, catching people by surprise. But a diagnosis doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. In fact, it can be a turning point.
For more than a decade, Holy Cross Health has been helping prediabetic community members reclaim their lives through the Diabetes Prevention Lifestyle Change Program. Offered online and in-person, this CDC-recognized, year-long curriculum educates participants about wellness—all with the goal of lowering their A1C and reducing their risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Though the classes take place in a group setting, one-on-one opportunities are available for those who need additional support or clarification on the content.
“It’s a 12-month lifestyle modification program that offers nutrition guidance, exercise sessions and support to help prevent or delay diabetes onset,” says Shelly-Ann Tang, manager of diabetes initiatives at Holy Cross. “A trained Community Health Worker gives participants the help and support they need to make and sustain lifestyle changes. Participants also receive tools to help them monitor eating habits and physical activity to assist them in achieving success.”
The Diabetes Prevention Program has been proven to reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes by 58 percent overall and 71 percent among adults aged 60 and older.
Through outreach by Holy Cross Community Health Workers at various local events and venues, and referrals from providers and external partners, the program enrolled 170 participants over the past 18 months, many of whom are at-risk.
In Maryland, diabetes is the sixth leading cause of death, primarily impacting minority populations and older adults. While obesity, physical inactivity and aging all contribute to the condition, these risk factors are amplified by numerous socioeconomic disparities, including:
- Low-income status or poverty
- Homelessness or substandard housing
- Food insecurity
- Inadequate childcare and under-resourced schools
- Limited access to health care
- Unsafe neighborhoods
This is where the Diabetes Prevention Program makes a potentially lifesaving impact. In addition to promoting physical wellness, the Community Health Workers have participants complete a social needs screening. Whether they require assistance with housing, finances, food or childcare, the CHWs connect them to vital resources. By lessening those socioeconomic hurdles, participants can focus on their long-term health and wellbeing.
Reducing or eliminating diabetes risk isn’t an overnight process. It takes education and commitment, which program participants are learning to incorporate into their lives. Since 2024, 43 percent reached at least a 5 percent weight loss—a key predictor of diabetes risk reduction.
“Small changes can make a big impact,” says Tang. “So, it’s important to take action early and stay committed to a healthy lifestyle.”