Become a Lifestyle Coach for the National Diabetes Prevention Program

Well-trained and dedicated lifestyle coaches are essential for participants to get the most out of the National Diabetes Prevention Program (National DPP). and Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program. CDC-recognized organizations offering the National DPP and MDPP lifestyle change programs must have lifestyle coaches who are trained to use a CDC-approved curriculum and who have the knowledge and skills to effectively deliver the program. These coaches receive intensive training to facilitate behavior change, teach stress management, and aid participants in developing peer support networks with fellow program participants. Lifestyle coaches may work in healthcare settings, workplaces, or community-based organizations.

The National DPP/MDPP is a one-year program where participants meet regularly to maintain healthy lifestyle changes. Led by a trained lifestyle coach, participants learn with others in the program to gain the skills needed to make lasting changes. The program begins with 16 weekly core sessions offered in a group setting over a six-month period. Once participants complete the core sessions, they attend six monthly follow-up sessions to help maintain their new healthy habits. 

What does a National DPP/MDPP lifestyle coach do?

Lifestyle coaches help participants:

• Lose 5 to 7 percent of their body weight – that’s losing 10 to 15 pounds if you weigh 200 pounds
• Increase their physical activity to 150 minutes per week
• Develop problem solving and coping skills – such as learning how to manage stress eating
• Connect and learn about healthy eating and physical activity opportunities in your community
• Learn how to track the foods you eat and your level of physical activity throughout the program year

Why become a lifestyle coach?

The lifestyle coach's ability to support participants, provide guidance, and help groups work together is essential for a successful lifestyle change program. Some coaches have worked in healthcare venues that treat patients with chronic disease, while others have personal experience seeing a friend or family member work through the burden of type 2 diabetes. Whatever the reason, lifestyle coaches have passion for helping people live healthier lives. They possess strong interpersonal and group facilitation skills to create an environment where participants thrive and grow.

Get trained as a lifestyle coach

It is important that lifestyle coaches are trained properly to ensure that the key elements of the program are delivered as designed, in order to give participants the tools they need to adopt lifestyle changes. 
To become a coach, individuals must go through lifestyle coach training led by a Master Trainer. Lifestyle coaches must have a certificate of completion of the training. Trainings generally take place in-person over 2 full days.

Lifestyle coach training aims to:

• Equip coaches to deliver the lifestyle change program in a wide variety of health care and community settings, with tools such as:
  • Small group facilitation techniques
  • Strategies to encourage change and group engagement
  • Lesson checklists
  • Logs to track the progress of their participants
  • Logs and tracking tools for participants to track their own progress
  • Facilitation guide with tips and talking points for each lesson
  • Program implementation guidelines and suggestions

For more information

To learn more about becoming a lifestyle coach, please contact health.diabetes@state.mn.us