DPRP Standards 2021

1
Form Approved
OMB No. 0920-0909
Exp. Date: XX/XX/2021

Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention
Diabetes Prevention
Recognition Program
Standards and Operating Procedures
www.cdc.gov/diabetes/prevention/recognition

March 1, 2021

Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average one hour per response for the Diabetes
Prevention Recognition Program Application Form and two hours per response for the submission of Evaluation Data,
including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining data needed, and
completing and reviewing the collection of information. An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not
required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. Send comments
regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this
burden, to the CDC Reports Clearance Officer; 1600 Clifton Road NE, MS D-74, Atlanta, Georgia 30329; ATTN: PRA #09200909.

2021 CDC Diabetes Prevention Recognition Program

2

I. OVERVIEW .................................................................................................................................... 3
II. STANDARDS AND REQUIREMENTS FOR RECOGNITION ............................................. 4
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
I.
J.
K.
L.

PARTICIPANT ELIGIBILITY .......................................................................................................................................4
SAFETY OF PARTICIPANTS AND DATA PRIVACY ......................................................................................................5
LOCATION ...............................................................................................................................................................5
DELIVERY MODE.....................................................................................................................................................5
STAFFING ................................................................................................................................................................6
TRAINING ................................................................................................................................................................7
CHANGE OF OWNERSHIP .........................................................................................................................................8
REQUIRED CURRICULUM CONTENT ........................................................................................................................9
MAKE-UP SESSIONS...............................................................................................................................................12
UMBRELLA ARRANGEMENTS ................................................................................................................................13
REQUIREMENTS FOR PENDING, PRELIMINARY, AND FULL RECOGNITION ..............................................................13
RECOGNITION EXTENSIONS AND EXCEPTIONS ......................................................................................................20

III. APPLYING FOR RECOGNITION ......................................................................................... 20
IV. SUBMITTING EVALUATION DATA TO THE DPRP ....................................................... 24
V. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE ..................................................................................................... 33
VI. QUALITY ASSURANCE REVIEWS ...................................................................................... 33
VII. NATIONAL REGISTRY OF ORGANIZATIONS WITH CDC RECOGNITION .......... 34
VIII. GUIDANCE DOCUMENTS .................................................................................................. 34
APPENDIX A. ORGANIZATIONAL CAPACITY ASSESSMENT .............................................................................................34
APPENDIX B. ADA/CDC PREDIABETES RISK TEST ................................................................................................40
APPENDIX C. STAFFING GUIDELINES, ROLES, AND RESPONSIBILITIES; AND SAMPLE POSITION DESCRIPTIONS .............42
APPENDIX D. USING DATA FOR EVALUATION- THE PATH TO EVALUATION FOR ONE ORGANIZATION ..........................47
APPENDIX E. GUIDANCE FOR MEASURING/RECORDING WEIGHT AND REPORTING PHYSICAL ACTIVITY MINUTES ......49
APPENDIX F. KEY TERMS AND DEFINITIONS .................................................................................................................50

2021 CDC Diabetes Prevention Recognition Program

3

2021 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Diabetes Prevention Recognition Program
I. Overview
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) established the CDC Diabetes Prevention
Recognition Program (DPRP) as part of the National Diabetes Prevention Program (National
DPP) (https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/prevention/index.html). The DPRP provides information to
people at high risk for type 2 diabetes, their health care providers, and payers about the location
and performance of organizations offering the National DPP lifestyle change program (National
DPP LCP) through various delivery modes (in-person, online, distance learning, and
combination). The purpose of the DPRP is to recognize organizations that have demonstrated
their ability to effectively deliver the evidence-based National DPP LCP. The recognition
program helps to assure that decisions about participant eligibility, program content, and data
collection and reporting that could lead to health insurance benefits are based on accurate,
reliable, and trustworthy information. The DPRP is further committed to ensuring health equity
by increasing access to the National DPP LCP among vulnerable populations, including those
living in geographically hard to reach or rural areas, through a variety of modalities.
The DPRP assures the quality of recognized organizations and provides standardized reporting on
their performance. The original 2011 DPRP Standards for the National DPP LCP and
requirements for recognition were based on successful efficacy and effectiveness studies. In one
such efficacy study, the U.S. Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) research trial, participants in
the lifestyle intervention losing 5-7% of their bodyweight experienced a 58% lower incidence of
type 2 diabetes than those who did not receive the lifestyle intervention (see
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/about-niddk/research-areas/diabetes/diabetes-prevention-programdpp/Documents/DPP_508.pdf). The current standards, though still grounded in the earlier
research, incorporate innovations from further translational studies, best practices, 8 years of
program evaluation and DPRP data analysis, and expert opinion.
The DPRP has three key objectives:
• Assure program quality, fidelity to scientific evidence, and broad use of the National
DPP LCP throughout the United States;
• Develop and maintain a registry of organizations that are recognized for their ability to deliver
an effective type 2 diabetes prevention National DPP LCP to people at high risk;
• Provide technical assistance to organizations to assist staff in effective program delivery and
in problem-solving to achieve and maintain recognition status.
This document—CDC Diabetes Prevention Recognition Program Standards and Operating
Procedures (or DPRP Standards, for short)—describes in detail the DPRP Standards for the
National DPP LCP and explains how an organization may apply for, earn, and maintain CDC
recognition.
The CDC’s National DPP Customer Service Center is an interactive online resource for
organizations who deliver, promote, partner with, refer to, and cover the lifestyle change program,
and serves as a hub for National DPP resources and technical assistance. Organizations should go to
the National DPP Customer Service Center to find resources and events, discuss opportunities

2021 CDC Diabetes Prevention Recognition Program

4

and challenges with the National DPP community, engage with subject matter experts for technical
assistance, and submit success stories and feedback on your experience.
You will need to register first to submit National DPP Technical Assistance Inquiries. To register
with the National DPP Customer Service Center, please go to NationalDPPCSC.cdc.gov, select
“Login” and then “Register.” To request technical assistance, please sign in and then select
“Contact Us/Contact Support.” Once signed in, you will also be able to view your previous requests
and associated correspondence.

II. Standards and Requirements for Recognition
Any organization that has the capacity to deliver the National DPP LCP may apply for
recognition. It is strongly recommended that potential applicants thoroughly read the DPRP
Standards (this document) and conduct a capacity assessment (see Appendix A, “Organizational
Capacity Assessment”) before applying for recognition. Completion of the Organizational
Capacity Assessment is required for organizations participating as subsidiaries in umbrella
arrangements (see Section J. Umbrella Arrangements).

A. Participant Eligibility
Recognized organizations will enroll participants according to the following requirements:
1. All of a program’s participants must be 18 years of age or older. The program is intended
for adults at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
2. All of a program’s participants must have a body mass index (BMI) of ≥25 kg/m2 (≥23
kg/m2, if Asian American).
3. All of a program’s participants must be considered eligible based on either:
a. A blood test result within one year of participant enrollment. Blood test results may be selfreported for CDC recognition purposes. Participants enrolled in the Medicare Diabetes
Prevention Program (MDPP) cannot self-report blood test results; lab results must be
provided. Blood test results must meet one of the following specifications:
i.
Fasting glucose of 100 to 125 mg/dl (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid ServicesCMS- eligibility requirement for MDPP participants is 110 to 125 mg/dl);
ii.
Plasma glucose of 140 to 199 mg/dl measured 2 hours after a 75 gm glucose load;
iii. HbA1C of 5.7 to 6.4; or,
iv.
Clinically diagnosed gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) during a previous
pregnancy (allowed for CDC recognition and may be self-reported; not allowed for
MDPP participants); or
b. a positive screening for prediabetes based on the Prediabetes Risk Test online at:
https://www.cdc.gov/prediabetes/takethetest/. Note: The risk test is not an option for
eligibility for MDPP participants.
4. Participants cannot have a previous diagnosis of type 1 or type 2 diabetes prior to enrollment.
5. Participants cannot be pregnant at time of enrollment.
6. A health care professional may refer potential participants to the program, but a referral is not
required for participation in a CDC-recognized program.

2021 CDC Diabetes Prevention Recognition Program
Recognized organizations can retain participants if either of the following situations occur:

5

1. Participants develop type 2 diabetes while in the program. These participants should be
referred to their primary care providers for referrals to American Diabetes Association
(ADA)-recognized or Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists (ADCES)accredited diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) services and other
resources such as Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) as appropriate. See Submitting
Evaluation Data to the DPRP section for details on how to code these participants to ensure
they are not considered eligible in the evaluation.
2. Participants become pregnant while in the program. The National DPP LCP emphasizes
weight loss and is not appropriate for women who are currently pregnant. Participants who
become pregnant may continue at the discretion of their health care providers and the
CDC-recognized organization. See Submitting Evaluation Data to the DPRP section for
details on how to code these participants to ensure they are not considered eligible in the
evaluation.

B. Safety of Participants and Data Privacy
The National DPP LCP typically does not involve physical activity during class time. If physical
activity is offered, it is the organization’s responsibility to have procedures in place to assure
safety. This may include obtaining a liability waiver from the participant and/or having the
participant obtain clearance from his/her primary care provider, or other healthcare provider, to
participate in physical activity.
Along with the physical safety of the participants, organizations should also be mindful of the
need to ensure the privacy and confidentiality of participants’ data. It is the organization’s
responsibility to be versed in and to comply with any federal, state, and/or local laws governing
individual-level identifiable data, including those laws related to the Health Insurance Portability
and Accountability Act (HIPAA), data collection, data storage, data use, and disclosure. At the
national level, CDC ensures privacy by not releasing any participant level data, and by collecting
only de-identified participant data. Reports published by CDC only include aggregate data at the
organizational level.

C. Location
If the program is offered in-person, organizations may use any suitable venue. Organizations
should provide private settings in which participants can be weighed or meet individually with
Lifestyle Coaches. Some
may choose to deliver the program online or via one or more
distance learning modalities. These remote classrooms could include, but are not limited to,
Skype, WebEx, Zoom, GoToMeetings, GoogleMeet, FacebookLive, etc. Those organizations
can obtain weights via digital technology, such as Bluetooth-enabled scales, or accept a selfreport from a participant’s own at-home scale. (Bluetooth-enabled scales refer to scales that
transmit weights securely via wireless or cellular transmission.)

D. Delivery Mode
Organizations may offer the program through any or all of the following delivery modes but are
required to submit a separate application for each delivery mode being used. This will result in

2021 CDC Diabetes Prevention Recognition Program
6
a separate organization code (orgcode) for each delivery mode. Data for each delivery mode will be
submitted under the corresponding orgcode during the submission due month for that orgcode. For
delivery mode-specific information on reporting weight and physical activity minutes, please see
Appendix F, “Guidance for Measuring/Recording Weight and Reporting Physical Activity
Minutes.”
1. In-person. A yearlong National DPP LCP delivered 100% in-person for all participants by
trained Lifestyle Coaches. Participants are physically present in a classroom or classroom-like
setting. Organizations that conduct make-up sessions via a delivery mode other than in-person
are still considered to be delivering the program in-person.
2.

Online. A yearlong National DPP LCP delivered 100% online for all participants. Participants
log into course sessions via a computer, tablet, or smart phone. The organization must be able to
track the participants’ progress through online course sessions. CDC recommends requiring user
IDs and passwords for course access. Live Lifestyle Coach interaction is required and should be
offered to each participant no less than once per week during the first six months and once per
month during the second six months. E-mails and text messages can count toward the
requirement for live coach interaction as long as there is bi-directional communication (i.e.,
organizations do not simply send out an announcement via text or e-mail and count that as live
coach interaction; the participant must have the ability to respond to and get support from the
live coach).
3. Distance Learning. A yearlong National DPP LCP delivered 100% by trained Lifestyle
Coaches via remote classroom or telehealth. The Lifestyle Coach provides live delivery of
session content in one location and participants call-in or video-conference from another
location. Organizations that conduct make-up sessions via a delivery mode other than distance
learning are still considered to be delivering the program by distance learning.
4. Combination. A yearlong National DPP LCP delivered as a combination of any of the

previously defined delivery modes for each individual participant by trained Lifestyle Coaches.
A combination modality can include the use of one modality such as in-person in the core phase
of the National DPP LCP and the use of a different modality such as online in the core
maintenance phase. A combination modality can include a consistent delivery approach of two
modalities across each participant within the National DPP LCP in a rotating manner (e.g., one
session online and the next session in person; or one session in person and the next via distance
learning). In addition, each cohort may use a different combination of delivery modes (i.e., one
cohort may use in-person and online and another cohort may use in-person and distance
learning). This accommodates mixed modalities where each participant can choose a different
delivery mode for each session as long as participants are not selecting a single delivery mode
for all sessions. The combination delivery mode is not an option for organizations that wish to
deliver entire cohorts by different delivery modes (one cohort in-person and another cohort
online) and then aggregate data from all cohorts under one orgcode. In this case, organizations
should apply for org codes for each delivery mode they are using. Requirements for Lifestyle
Coach interaction and the recording of weight and physical activity minutes must be adhered to
for the delivery modes being used. Organizations may conduct make-up sessions via any
delivery mode.

2021 CDC Diabetes Prevention Recognition Program

7

E. Staffing
The eligibility criteria, skills, knowledge, qualities, and training required of Lifestyle
Coaches and Diabetes Prevention Program Coordinators (Program Coordinators) are
described in the guidance section of this document titled Staffing Guidelines, Roles, and
Responsibilities; and Sample Job Descriptions.
Recognized organizations are responsible for hiring, training, and supporting their Lifestyle
Coaches. Lifestyle Coaches should have the ability to help participants make and sustain positive
lifestyle changes. They should also have the understanding and sensitivity to help participants
deal with a range of issues and challenges associated with making important lifestyle changes.
Organizations should designate an individual to serve as the Program Coordinator. Program
Coordinators should have the ability to serve both as the primary external champions of the
program and as the organizational experts for program implementation consistent with the
DPRP Standards. Program Coordinators should supervise daily operations of the National DPP
LCP and provide guidance and support for the Lifestyle Coaches. They should understand the
DPRP data collection and submission requirements, including the importance of monitoring
program data to ensure quality performance outcomes. Program Coordinator roles and
responsibilities are described in more detail in Sample Job Descriptions in the guidance
section.
It is the organization’s responsibility to determine staffing needs for effective implementation.
If an organization serves many participants at the same time, it should consider hiring
additional Lifestyle Coaches and designating more than one Program Coordinator. Similarly, if
an organization serves only a small number of participants at one time, it may consider
allowing a single person to serve as both the Lifestyle Coach and the Program Coordinator.

F. Training
Recognized organizations are responsible for ensuring that an adequate and well-trained
workforce dedicated to the National DPP LCP is in place before launching the first class (see the
Organizational Capacity Assessment). All Lifestyle Coaches should be trained to the specific
curriculum being used by the recognized organization before offering their first class. The
recommended minimum length of formal training for new Lifestyle Coaches is 12 hours or two
days. Formal training is defined as training conducted by one of the four methods listed in
Section III. Applying for Recognition, Lifestyle Coach Training Entity. Shortly after completing
formal training, Lifestyle Coaches should begin facilitating program sessions and, ideally, should
receive on-the-job coaching from a Program Coordinator or other trained Lifestyle Coach.
Since Program Coordinators are responsible for overall program implementation, they should
also complete formal training as Lifestyle Coaches. This will permit them to mentor Lifestyle
Coaches and serve as back-up Coaches if necessary.
Recognized organizations are responsible for the ongoing support and continued training of
Lifestyle Coaches and Program Coordinators. They are further responsible for ensuring
continued success, quality, and adherence of Lifestyle Coaches and Program Coordinators to the
DPRP Standards. They should provide Lifestyle Coaches and Program Coordinators with an
opportunity to attend CDC-sponsored webinar training on specialized topics such as program

2021 CDC Diabetes Prevention Recognition Program
8
delivery (“Welcome to the DPRP”), data submission (“Submit for Success”), and any others
offered by CDC, and refresher training as desired. All Lifestyle Coaches and Program
Coordinators should receive additional training each time CDC revises the DPRP Standards, and
CDC will offer such training at no cost to organizations.
Because program evaluation findings have demonstrated that well-trained and highly motivated
Lifestyle Coaches have a significant impact on participant outcomes, all Lifestyle Coaches and
Program Coordinators should also complete at least two hours of Advanced Coach Training
each year. Advanced Coach Training is 1) training beyond the required formal training for
Lifestyle Coaches that builds on the foundational skills necessary for helping participants make
effective lifestyle change, and 2) limited to trainings provided by training entities that are listed
on the National DPP Customer Service Center. (Advanced Coach Training must be provided by
organizations that are on the CDC Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) training entity list.)
Recognized organizations should refer to the National DPP Customer Service Center for
additional information about Advanced Coach Training and the available topics and
competencies. CDC will not be collecting data on advanced lifestyle coach training. This is an
organizational-level responsibility. CDC reserves the right to audit organizations on this
requirement.
Training entities that provide formal training to a CDC-approved curriculum and Advanced
Coach Training opportunities are listed on the National DPP Customer Service Center at
https://nationaldppcsc.cdc.gov/s/article/Training-for-your-Lifestyle-Coaches. These entities are
not officially endorsed by CDC, but they sign a MOU agreeing to train to a CDC-approved
curriculum and to provide training nationally or regionally to organizations recognized by CDC.
These entities further agree to provide quality training aligned with the DPRP Standards, which
should help ensure competent Lifestyle Coaches. In addition to the training entities listed on the
National DPP Customer Service Center, formal training for Lifestyle Coaches may be provided
by 1) a private organization with a national network of program sites whose Master Trainers were
trained by an MOU-holding training entity listed on the National DPP Customer Service Center
webpage, 2) a CDC-recognized virtual organization with national reach whose Master Trainers
were trained by an MOU-holding training entity listed on the National DPP Customer Service
Center webpage, or 3) a Master Trainer (has completed at least 12 hours of formal training as a
Lifestyle Coach, has successfully offered the National DPP LCP for at least one year, and has
completed a Master Trainer program offered by a training entity listed on the National DPP
Customer Service Center). Advanced Coach Training can only be offered by a training entity
listed on the National DPP Customer Service Center. CDC may conduct random quality
assurance assessments of any program, organization, or Master Trainer providing formal training
for Lifestyle Coaches to ensure that training requirements are being met.

G. Change of Ownership
If a CDC-recognized organization (i.e., company) becomes subsumed or purchased by another
organization, or otherwise experiences a change of organizational ownership, recognition status
will transfer to the new organization with the following caveats:
•

The organization must have achieved either preliminary or full CDC recognition; only
preliminary and full recognition will transfer.

•
•
•
•
•

2021 CDC Diabetes Prevention Recognition Program
9
The new company must commit to completing the cohorts that are in progress at the time of
the transfer.
The new company must agree to maintain fidelity to the DPRP Standards and submit data
for evaluation every six months.
Unless otherwise negotiated, the new company will inherit the data submission timeline of
the original organization.
While preliminary and full recognition transfers, it does so only until the new owner of the
organization submits data for recognition. At that time, the organization must meet the
standards for either preliminary or full recognition on its own merits.
If the new company decides to make significant changes to the CDC-approved curriculum, it
is required to get CDC prior approval for the new/enhanced version.

H. Required Curriculum Content
The National DPP LCP consists of a series of sessions that present information and interactive
learning activities, provide outside-of-class activities, and offer feedback in stages to optimize
behavioral change. The program may be presented in-person or by an online or distance learning
modality as described in the Delivery Mode section of this document. As demonstrated in the
DPP and other diabetes prevention research trials, the National DPP LCP, including the
behavioral and motivational content, must be geared toward the overarching goal of preventing
type 2 diabetes and should emphasize the need to make lasting lifestyle changes.
The participant’s body weight must be recorded at all sessions. Goals of the yearlong program
should focus on moderate changes in both diet and physical activity to achieve one or more of the
following outcomes: modest weight loss in the range of 5-7% of baseline body weight, a
combination of a loss of 4% of baseline body weight and 150 minutes of physical activity per
week on average, or a modest reduction in hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) of .2%. Strategies used to
achieve these goals must include a focus on self-monitoring of diet and physical activity, building
self-efficacy and social support for maintaining lifestyle changes, and problem-solving strategies
for overcoming common challenges to sustaining weight loss.
Recognized organizations must emphasize that the National DPP LCP is specifically designed for
prevention of type 2 diabetes in persons at high risk for type 2 diabetes. Therefore, rather than
focusing solely on weight loss, the National DPP LCP must also emphasize long-term
improvements in nutrition and physical activity. To support learning and lifestyle modification,
programs should provide appropriate materials for all participants. Materials should be grounded
in adult learning principles and adhere to CDC Training Quality and Plain Language Standards.
The format of the materials (e.g., hard copy, electronic, web-based, video, etc.) is determined by
the program. The following resources are available and support this recommendation:
CDC Guide on Captivating and Motivating Adult Learners
https://www.cdc.gov/trainingdevelopment/classroom_training.html
CDC Training Quality Standards
https://www.cdc.gov/trainingdevelopment/standards/index.htm
Clear Communication Index

2021 CDC Diabetes Prevention Recognition Program
https://www.cdc.gov/ccindex/

10

Although National DPP LCPs may incorporate innovative ideas and expert opinion, these
programs should be based on evidence from efficacy and effectiveness trials and adult learning
theory. The CDC-developed PreventT2 curriculum is freely available for use and can be found at
https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/prevention/resources/curriculum.html. Additional PreventT2
language translations can be found at https://coveragetoolkit.org/national-dpp-curriculum/.
Organizations may also use other curricula that have been approved by CDC as meeting the
standards.

During the first 6 months (weeks 1-26) of the National DPP LCP, all curriculum topics must be
covered in at least 16 weekly sessions. Organizations may repeat core modules or use core
maintenance modules to offer additional sessions in months 1-6 after they have offered the 16
required weekly core sessions. In this case, organizations must code the use of core maintenance
modules in months 1-6 as core sessions. Below are the corresponding sessions from the 2012
National DPP and PreventT2 curricula. All alternate curricula should contain similar session titles
and content, not necessarily the same session titles, and evidence-based content, including current
nutritional guidelines and evidence-based content on physical activity supporting their sessions,
and must submit their curricula to CDC for review against the session topics below.
There are Personal Success Tool modules and introductory Session Zero tools available to
supplement the curriculum modules. Organizations should submit a request for more information
on the National DPP Customer Service Center.
Table 1. Curriculum Topics (Core Phase: Months 1-6)
2012 National DPP Curriculum
Welcome to the National Diabetes Prevention
Program
Being Active - A Way of Life
Move Those Muscles
Be a Fat and Calorie Detective
Three Ways to Eat Less Fat and Fewer Calories
Jump Start Your Activity Plan
Tip the Calorie Balance
Healthy Eating
You Can Manage Stress
The Slippery Slope of Lifestyle Change
Make Social Cues Work for You &
Talk Back to Negative Thoughts
Can use Heart Health from months 7-12
Problem Solving
Take Charge of What's Around You
Four Keys to Healthy Eating Out
Ways to Stay Motivated

PreventT2 Curriculum
Program Overview & Introduction to the Program
Get Active to Prevent T2
Track Your Activity
Track Your Food
Eat Well to Prevent T2
Get More Active
Burn More Calories Than You Take In
Shop and Cook to Prevent T2
Manage Stress
Find Time for Fitness
Cope with Triggers
Keep Your Heart Healthy
Take Charge of Your Thoughts
Get Support
Eat Well Away from Home
Stay Motivated to Prevent T2

During the last 6 months (weeks 27-52) of the National DPP LCP, organizations must include at

2021 CDC Diabetes Prevention Recognition Program
11
least one session delivered each month (for a minimum of 6 sessions). Organizations wishing to
deliver more sessions (going beyond the minimum requirement of one session each month) are
encouraged to do so, as this may be beneficial to participants needing additional support. An
organization may use a core module to offer additional sessions in months 7-12 after it has
offered the required 6 core maintenance modules. In this case, the organization must code the use
of the core module in months 7-12 as a core maintenance session. Sessions must focus on topics
that reinforce and build on the content delivered during the first 6 months of the National DPP
LCP.
Lifestyle Coaches will select topics from either curriculum below based on participants’ needs
and interests. Lifestyle Coaches must select from the following topics and may choose the order
in which they are presented.
Table 2. Curriculum Topics (Core Maintenance Phase: Months 7-12)

2012 National DPP Curriculum
Welcome to Sessions 7-12
Balance Your Thoughts for Long-Term
Maintenance
Staying on Top of Physical Activity
Stepping up to Physical Activity
A Closer Look at Type 2 Diabetes
More Volume, Fewer Calories
Fats - Saturated, Unsaturated, and Trans Fat
Healthy Eating - Taking it One Meal at a Time &
Food Preparation and Recipe Modification
Stress and Time Management
Preventing Relapse
Handling Holidays, Vacations, and Special
Events
Heart Health
Healthy Eating with Variety and Balance
Looking Back and Looking Forward

Prevent T2 Curriculum
N/A
When Weight Loss Stalls
Take a Fitness Break
Stay Active Away from Home
More About T2
More About Carbs
Can repeat Eat Well to Prevent T2 from months 1-6
Have Healthy Food You Enjoy
Get Enough Sleep
Get Back on Track
Can repeat Eat Well Away from Home from months
1-6
Stay Active to Prevent T2
Can repeat Shop and Cook to Prevent T2 from months
1-6
Prevent T2—for Life!

MDPP suppliers and ongoing maintenance sessions:
Organizations that are MDPP suppliers must offer a second year of programming (ongoing
maintenance sessions) and may repeat any curriculum topic from months 1-6 or months 7-12 for
these sessions, except the introductory sessions. See the Data Submissions section for details on
how to code these sessions.
Use of an alternate curriculum:
If an organization chooses to use an alternate curriculum (a curriculum not previously approved or
developed by CDC), it must send the curriculum to CDC to be reviewed for consistency with the
evidence-based curriculum topics listed above. There is a file upload link within the initial
recognition application where an organization can submit their alternate curriculum. An
organization can submit a culturally adapted curriculum in English to CDC for review before

2021 CDC Diabetes Prevention Recognition Program
12
translating it into a language other than English. An organization must submit all final versions (in
English) to CDC for final evaluation and feedback. CDC review of alternate curricula takes
approximately 4-6 weeks.
Changes made to a current curriculum:
An organization must notify CDC of any changes to its CDC-approved curriculum by logging in to
the National DPP Customer Service Center and initiating a National DPP Technical Assistance
Request if:
• an organization chooses to switch to a different CDC- approved curriculum other than the
one approved as part of their initial DPRP application,
• an organization chooses to develop its own curriculum during its tenure in the DPRP, which
will initiate a curriculum review,
• an organization chooses to culturally adapt its curriculum for a specific population, translate
its curriculum into another language, or make any other changes to its currently approved
curriculum, including changes to any supplemental materials, videos, or handouts. Four to 6
weeks should be allowed for review and approval of new or changed curricula.

I. Make-up Sessions
Make-up sessions are not required but are highly encouraged to promote retention. Organizations
offering make-up sessions must follow the guidelines below. Make-up sessions will be analyzed in
the same way as regularly scheduled sessions.
• Make-up sessions can be provided in any delivery mode. Please code variable DMODE
accordingly.
• Make-up sessions must be comparable to regularly scheduled sessions in content and length.
The make-up session is used to review a CDC-approved curriculum module which is
generally about an hour.
• A single make-up session per participant may be held on the same date as a regularly
scheduled session.
• Make-up sessions should not be delivered more than once per week unless a make-up
session is being delivered in addition to a regular session. Further, there must be at least 5
days between make-up sessions to maintain the intensity of the program (weekly for the first
16 weeks).
• Delivering sessions on consecutive days that fall in two different weeks (Saturday/Sunday)
does not meet the intensity requirement. Missed core sessions can only be made up within
the core phase (months 1-6).
• Missed core maintenance sessions can only be made up within the core maintenance phase
(months 7-12).
• If a participant knows in advance that a session will be missed, a make-up session may be
held prior to missing the regularly scheduled session.
• The weight recorded for the make-up session should be the weight measured on the day the
make-up session is attended.
• Recorded weight measures for make-up sessions that take place on the same date as a
regular session must match the weight being recorded for the regular session.
• A participant should report the number of physical activity minutes they were planning to

•
•
•

2021 CDC Diabetes Prevention Recognition Program
13
report on the day of the session that was missed. Physical activity minutes for a make-up
session must reflect the number of minutes performed during the week leading up to the
session that was missed. If this information is not available, the organization should record
0. Recorded physical activity minutes for make-up sessions that take place on the same date
as a regular session can be different that the physical activity minutes recorded for the
regular session.
If a participant attends a make-up session for a session that has not yet been held, it is up to
the discretion of the Lifestyle Coach as to which week the minutes should represent.
For appropriate SESSTYPE coding for make-up sessions, please see the Data Dictionary in
Table 4.
Additional CMS guidelines may apply for MDPP supplier organizations.

J. Umbrella Arrangements
In an umbrella arrangement, an organization with full or preliminary CDC recognition agrees to
serve as the sponsoring hub for a group of organizations (subsidiaries) that have CDC pending,
preliminary, or full recognition. CDC recognition for the hub and the subsidiaries will be based on a
single evaluation of cross-subsidiary aggregated participant data. The umbrella arrangement should
make it possible for additional organizations to achieve sustainable delivery of the National DPP
LCP by facilitating the sharing of infrastructure costs and by leveraging best practices. Participating
in an umbrella arrangement may also help facilitate achieving MDPP supplier status or Medicaid
provider status, and/or meeting contracting requirements imposed by Accountable Care
Organizations (ACOs), Managed Care Organizations (MCOs), or other payers. This, in turn, will
lead to greater access to sustainable coverage resources. Umbrella arrangements are completely
voluntary and are not brokered by CDC. For additional information on the DPRP Umbrella
Arrangement, please review the Umbrella Arrangement guidance document posted on the National
DPP Customer Service Center. Organizations that want to become a hub must complete the
application available by request through the National DPP Customer Service Center.

K. Requirements for Pending, Preliminary, and Full Recognition
The DPRP awards three categories of recognition: pending, preliminary, and full recognition.
Organizations are required to submit data every 6 months on all ongoing cohorts regardless of
recognition status achieved.
Pending Recognition
To begin the process, an organization submits an application to the DPRP for each delivery mode it
plans to offer. An organization achieves pending recognition when the DPRP determines that the
organization has met requirements 1-4 in Table 3. The DPRP will subsequently assign an
organization code (ORGCODE). Concurrent with the initial approval date, the organization will also
be assigned an effective date. The effective date is the first day of the month following the approval
date and is used to determine due dates for required data submissions. An organization may not
begin offering sessions until approval is given and pending recognition is achieved. Sessions are
required to start no later than 6 months after the effective date.

2021 CDC Diabetes Prevention Recognition Program

14

An organization with pending recognition is required to make its first data submission 6 months after
its effective date. An organization may remain in pending recognition indefinitely if it continues to
submit the required data every 6 months.
Preliminary and Full Recognition
Preliminary or full recognition is required to become an MDPP supplier. It is not necessary to
achieve preliminary recognition before achieving full recognition. Organizations will be evaluated
for preliminary and full recognition only at the time of required data submissions. To be eligible for
an evaluation, organizations must have submitted data on at least one completed cohort. A cohort is
considered complete when 365 days have lapsed since the first session of that cohort was held.
Organizations will have the option of defining cohorts or allowing each participant to serve as their
own cohort. An organization can have multiple cohorts running at the same time. Evaluations are
always based on data from participants enrolled in cohorts that held their first session at least one
year but not more than 18 months before the submission due date (referred to as evaluation cohorts).
This means that multiple cohorts can be part of a single 6-month evaluation cohort. If a new
organization wants to be eligible for an evaluation at its first 12-month data submission, it will need
to begin offering sessions immediately after approval of its application and before the effective date.
This is the only way that the organization will have the full 12 months of data required for an
evaluation. Organizations that are not eligible for an evaluation at 12 months will need to wait until
their next required data submission at 18 months.
Preliminary Recognition
Organizations achieve preliminary recognition when they meet the following criteria:
1. The requirements for pending recognition.
2. Requirement 5: Organizations must retain at least 5 completers in the evaluation cohort
(eligible participants in the evaluation cohort who attended at least 8 sessions in months 16 and whose time from the first session held by the cohort to the last session attended by
the participant is at least 9 months).
Once an organization meets the requirements for preliminary, the organization may remain in
preliminary recognition indefinitely if it continues to submit the required data every 6 months and is
able to meet the requirements for preliminary within 3 years of first achieving it, and then at least
every 3 years thereafter.
Temporary Preliminary Recognition
If an organization has preliminary or full recognition for one delivery mode and subsequently
applies to deliver the National DPP LCP through an additional delivery mode, the DPRP will
convey temporary preliminary recognition to the new delivery mode. This is a special designation
that will only last until the organization has its first evaluation for the new delivery mode. At that
time, the organization will achieve recognition based only on data submitted for the new delivery
mode. If the organization is unable to meet the requirements for preliminary or full recognition

2021 CDC Diabetes Prevention Recognition Program
based on that evaluation, the DPRP will place it in pending recognition status.

15

Full Recognition
Organizations may receive full recognition for a period of either three years or five years. See
additional requirements below for an organization to qualify for full recognition for five years. An
organization may remain in full recognition for 3 years if it continues to submit the required data
every 6 months. Those organizations still active and submitting data that do not re-achieve full
recognition status after 36 months will return to preliminary. MDPP suppliers that lose full
recognition will be able to continue as an MDPP supplier with preliminary recognition. Once an
organization meets the requirements for full recognition, it will be allowed to remain in full for 3
years despite not meeting the requirements, as long as it continues to make data submissions in
every submission due month. Organizations will achieve full recognition when they meet the
following criteria:
1. The requirements for pending recognition.
2. The requirement for preliminary recognition.
3. Requirement 6: Organizations must show that there has been a reduction of risk of
developing type 2 diabetes among completers in the evaluation cohort by showing that
at least 60% of all completers achieved at least one of the following outcomes:
a. at least 5% weight loss 12 months after the cohort began or
b. at least 4% weight loss and at least 150 minutes/week on average of physical
activity 12 months after the cohort began or
c. at least a 0.2% reduction in HbA1C
4. Requirement 7: Organizations must show that at least 35% of completers in the
evaluation cohort are eligible for the yearlong National DPP LCP based on either a
blood test indicating prediabetes or a history of GDM.
Organizations will be granted an additional 2 years of full recognition (for a total of 5 years) if, at
the time full recognition is achieved, the following retention criterion is met:
Eligible participants in the evaluation cohort must have been retained at the following
percentages:
•

A minimum of 50% at the beginning of the fourth month since the cohorts held their
first sessions.

•

A minimum of 40% at the beginning of the seventh month since the cohorts held their
first sessions.

•

A minimum of 30% at the beginning of the tenth month since the cohorts held their first
sessions.

PLEASE NOTE: Organizations can voluntarily withdraw at any point in their timeline, but
regardless of circumstances of the withdrawal, they must wait 6 months prior to reapplying. The
wait can be waived if the organization can provide a start date for the new cohort and the assurance

2021 CDC Diabetes Prevention Recognition Program
that at least 10 participants are enrolled.

16

Requirements for Pending, Preliminary, and Full Recognition Status
1. Application for recognition. Organizations must submit a separate completed application for
each delivery mode at https://nccd.cdc.gov/DDT_DPRP/ApplicationForm.aspx
2. Curriculum. The National DPP LCP must be based on evidence from efficacy and
effectiveness trials on type 2 diabetes prevention. The required curriculum topics can be
found in the Required Curriculum Content section of this document and the CDC-approved
curricula at http://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/prevention/recognition/curriculum.htm. If the
organization chooses to use an alternate curriculum, it must submit it to the DPRP by logging
in to the National DPP Customer Service Center and initiating a National DPP Technical
Assistance Request for review to ensure that it meets all of the key elements of the
curriculum used in the DPP research trial. This must occur prior to an application being
approved and prior to starting classes.
3. Intervention duration. The National DPP LCP must have a duration of one year. If
organizations choose to continue the intervention for a period longer than one year, only the
first 365 days of data from each participant will be analyzed to determine recognition.
4. Intervention intensity. The National DPP LCP must begin with an initial 6-month phase,
referred to as the Core phase, during which a minimum of 16 weekly sessions are offered over
a period lasting at least 16 weeks and not more than 26 weeks. Each session must be of
sufficient duration to convey the session content (approximately one hour). Regular sessions
do not have to be scheduled exactly 7 days apart, but organizations should not purposely
schedule regular sessions too close together, as this could impact a participant’s ability to
achieve program goals.
The initial 6-month phase must be followed by a second 6-month phase, referred to as Core
Maintenance, consisting of at least one session delivered each month (for a minimum of 6
sessions). Organizations wishing to deliver additional sessions (going beyond the minimum
requirement of one session each month) are encouraged to do so, as this may be beneficial to
participants needing additional support. Each session must be of sufficient duration to convey
the session content (approximately one hour).
5. Minimum number of program completers (requirement for preliminary
recognition)
Organizations must retain at least 5 eligible participants in the evaluation cohort who
attended at least 8 sessions in months 1-6 and whose time from first session held by the
cohort to last session attended by the participant is at least 9 full months. Participants
meeting these criteria are defined as program completers.
6. Participant risk reduction at 12 months (requirement for full recognition)
Organizations must show that at least 60% of the completers achieved at least one of the
following outcomes:
• at least 5% weight loss 12 months after the cohort began or

•
•

2021 CDC Diabetes Prevention Recognition Program
17
at least 4% weight loss and at least 150 minutes/week on average of physical activity
reported 12 months after the cohort began or
at least a 0.2% reduction in baseline HbA1C (recorded within one year of enrollment).
For example, if a participant reports an HbA1c value of 6.4 when they enter the program
and 6.1 at the completion of the program, they would be considered to have met this
goal. Only participants who enter the program with a GLUCTEST value of 1 will be able
to use this option. A participant’s HbA1C value must be collected and submitted prior to
the final data submission for that year, included in the last session record, and collected
in months 10-12.

7. Program eligibility requirement (requirement for full recognition)
•

Organizations must show that a minimum of 35% of completers in the evaluation
cohort are eligible for the National DPP LCP based on either a blood test indicating
prediabetes or a history of GDM. The remainder (a maximum of 65% of participants)
must be eligible based on the CDC/ADA Prediabetes Risk Test. If a participant comes
into the program based on a risk test score, organizations are permitted to make a onetime change to the participant’s eligibility status based on a post-enrollment blood test.
If a recognized organization is also an MDPP supplier, all Medicare participants must
be eligible based solely on a blood test indicating prediabetes. Refer to the Participant
Eligibility section for more information. Note: while CDC is setting an organizational
requirement for eligibility for recognition purposes, individual payers, including
Medicare, may impose higher or lower participant level eligibility requirements for
blood testing for reimbursement purposes.

8. Retention criterion for 2 additional years of full recognition (5 years total)
Eligible participants in the evaluation cohort must have been retained at the following
percentages:
•

A minimum of 50% at the beginning of the fourth month since the cohorts held their
first sessions.

•

A minimum of 40% at the beginning of the seventh month since the cohorts held their
first sessions.

•

A minimum of 30% at the beginning of the tenth month since the cohorts held their
first sessions.

Table 3. Requirements for Recognition
This table summarizes the requirements for recognition. An example of how CDC’s DPRP evaluates
organizational performance is included in the Example of Using Data for Evaluation section of this
document. The DPRP will calculate all performance indicators for organizations seeking recognition.

Standard

Requirement

How Evaluated

When
Evaluated

Recognition
Status

2021 CDC Diabetes Prevention Recognition Program
1

2

Application for
recognition
(separate
application
required for
each delivery
mode)

Must provide the
organization’s
identifying
information to the
DPRP

Curriculum

Must meet
requirements for
curriculum content
described in the
Required Curriculum
Content section

- Name of organization

18
Upon receipt of
application

Pending

Upon receipt of
application

Pending

- Address
- Contact persons
- Contact phone/emails

- Check box on application form

agreeing to use the recommended
curriculum
—or—
- Provide alternate curriculum to the
DPRP for approval

3

Intervention
duration

1 year duration

Curriculum review

Upon receipt of
application

Pending

4

Intervention
intensity

Minimum of 16 sessions
delivered approximately
once per week during
months 1-6, followed by a
minimum of 6 sessions
delivered approximately
once per month during
months 7-12

Curriculum review

Upon receipt of
application

Pending

5

Minimum
number of
program
completers

Organizations must retain Determine if the number of completers
at least 5 completers in the in the evaluation cohort is at least 5.
evaluation cohort (eligible
participants in the
evaluation cohort who
attended at least 8 sessions
in months 1-6 and whose
time from first session
held by the cohort to last
session attended by the
participant is at least 9
months).

Every 6 months
beginning at 12
or 18 months
from the
effective date,
depending on
when an
organization
starts delivering
sessions and
when 365 days
have lapsed since
a cohort started
sessions

Preliminary
and Full

2021 CDC Diabetes Prevention Recognition Program
6

Participant risk
reduction at 12
months

Organizations must show
that there has been a
reduction in risk of
developing type 2
diabetes among
completers in the
evaluation cohort by
showing that at least 60%
of the completers
achieved any one of the
following outcomes:
•

7

Program
eligibility
requirement

At least 5%
weight loss 12
months after the
cohort began or

•

At least 4%
weight loss and
at least 150
minutes/week
on average of
physical activity
12 months after
the cohort began
or

•

A 0.2%
reduction in
HbA1C

Organizations must show
that a minimum of 35%
of completers in the
evaluation cohort are
eligible for the yearlong
National DPP LCP based
on either a blood test
indicating prediabetes or
a history of GDM. The
remainder (maximum of
65% of participants)
must be eligible based on
the CDC/ADA
Prediabetes Risk Test.

19
Every 6 months
beginning at 12
or 18 months
from the
effective date,
depending on
when an
organization
starts delivering
sessions and
when 365 days
have lapsed since
a cohort started
sessions

Full

Every 6 months,
beginning at 12
or 18 months
from the
effective date,
depending on
when an
For CDC-recognized organizations
organization
that are also MDPP suppliers:
starts delivering
All Medicare participants in the
sessions and
evaluation cohort must be eligible based
when 365 days
on a blood test indicating prediabetes.
have lapsed since
a cohort started
sessions.

Full

Determine the number of completers
who either:
•

Achieve at least 5% weight
loss on or before12 months
after the cohort began or

•

Achieve at least 4% weight
loss and perform at least 150
minutes/week on average of
physical activity 12 months
after the cohort began or

•

Achieve a 0.2% reduction in
HbA1C

Divide the number of completers in the
evaluation cohort who achieve one of
the 3 goals by the total number of
completers in the evaluation cohort.
Determine if the result is at least 60%.

Divide the number of completers in the
evaluation cohort who meet the
requirement by the total number of
completers in the evaluation cohort.
Determine if the result is at least 35%.

2021 CDC Diabetes Prevention Recognition Program
Additional
retention
criterion

Eligible participants in
the evaluation cohort
must have been retained
at the following
percentages:
•

A minimum of
50% at the
beginning of the
fourth month
since the
cohorts held
their first
sessions.

•

A minimum of
40% at the
beginning of the
seventh month
since the
cohorts held
their first
sessions.

•

A minimum of
30% at the
beginning of the
tenth month
since the
cohorts held
their first
sessions.

Divide the number of eligible
participants in the evaluation cohort
who attended at least 1 session in
months 4, 7, or 10 of the cohort session
timelines by the total number of eligible
participants in the evaluation cohort.
Determine if the results are at least
50%, 40%, and 30%.

20
Every 6 months,
beginning at 12
or 18 months
from the
effective date,
depending on
when an
organization
starts delivering
sessions and
when 365 days
have lapsed since
a cohort started
sessions.

L. Recognition Extensions and Exceptions
Because the DPRP understands that extenuating circumstances may arise that could require an
organization to make a late data submission, not complete a 12-month cohort, or put the program
on a temporary hold, certain extensions and exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis.
CDC will grant extensions and exceptions to data submission requirements on a case-by-case
basis due to extenuating circumstances including, but not limited to, natural disasters, public
health emergencies, or unexpected staff losses. However, organizations must communicate these
occurrences to CDC as soon as possible so that proper guidance can be given.

III. Applying for Recognition
CDC welcomes organizations that offer the National DPP LCP to prevent or delay type 2
diabetes to apply for recognition through the DPRP. Any organization with the capacity to
deliver the National DPP LCP adhering to the DPRP Standards may apply for recognition. A
separate application must be submitted for each delivery mode the organization wishes
to use.
Before an organization applies, leadership and staff should read the current version of the
DPRP Standards, which describes the criteria for delivering the National DPP LCP to achieve

An
additional 2
years of Full
(for a total
of 5 years)

2021 CDC Diabetes Prevention Recognition Program
21
and sustain CDC recognition. The DPRP Standards also contains a capacity assessment. This
is a list of questions designed to help an organization determine its readiness to deliver the
CDC-recognized National DPP LCP (see Appendix A, “Organizational Capacity
Assessment”). All organizations are strongly encouraged to complete this assessment.
Organizations that wish to participate as subsidiaries in an Umbrella Arrangement may be
required to complete the Capacity Assessment.
An organization must be ready to start offering sessions within 6 months after its effective
date (the first day of the month immediately following CDC approval of its application). If an
organization anticipates that it will not be not ready to start offering sessions within 6 months,
it should postpone applying. Upon approval, the organization will receive a welcome letter
with pertinent information for delivering the program and submitting data.
To apply for recognition, an organization completes the online application at
https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/prevention/lifestyle-program/apply_recognition.html. The
organization must indicate whether it will be using a CDC-approved curriculum, such as the
PreventT2 curriculum (https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/prevention/lifestyleprogram/curriculum.html), or submitting an alternate curriculum for review. After submitting
the application, the organization will receive a confirmation email. Organizations using a
CDC-approved curriculum will normally be notified of the results of the CDC review
within 15 working days. Organizations submitting an alternate curriculum, or any
supplemental alternate curriculum material, handouts, or videos for review, will normally be
notified of the results of the CDC review within 4-6 weeks.
Any organization in the DPRP and assigned a DPRP organization code that contracts with another
CDC-recognized organization to deliver their National DPP LCP must ensure that the contracted
organization uses a CDC-approved curriculum and follows the requirements detailed in the DPRP
Standards.
Each organization will be required to complete the following elements in the online
application form. Any changes to contact information elements should be provided to CDC
in the manner specified during six-month data submissions:
1. Type of Application. Select Initial if this is the first application being
submitted. Select Reapplying if this is a subsequent application due to previous
withdrawal or loss of recognition. If an organization chooses to change its
curriculum to another CDC-approved curriculum, a notification to CDC through
the National DPP Customer Service Center at https://nationaldppcsc.cdc.gov/s is
required, and no further steps are needed involving the application.
Organization Code. This code is assigned by the DPRP. Choose Not applicable
if this is an initial application. For organizations reapplying, enter the previously
assigned organization code.
2. Organization Name. Upon application approval, the organization name will be published in
the DPRP registry on the CDC website and/or in a publicly available program locator.
3. Organization Physical Address. Provide the main organization’s business office or

2021 CDC Diabetes Prevention Recognition Program
22
headquarters address. Upon application approval, this will be published in the DPRP registry
on the CDC website and/or in a publicly available program locator.
4. Organization Web Address or URL. Optional. Upon application approval, this will be
published on the DPRP Registry and/or in a publicly available program locator. All web
addresses must link directly to a location where participants can find information about the
organization’s CDC-recognized National DPP LCP and enroll in the program. CDC will not
accept or host any other web addresses.
5. Organization Phone Number. Provide the number that participants, payers, and others should
call to obtain information about the program. Organizations should not provide a 1-800 number
unless a live operator is available. Upon application approval, this will be published in the
DPRP registry on the CDC website and/or in a publicly available program locator.
6. Organization Type. Choose the option that best describes the organization type. This refers to
an organization’s main headquarters location or main office: Local or community YMCAs;
Universities/Schools; State/Local Health Departments; Hospitals/Healthcare Systems/Medical
Groups/Physician Practices; Community-Based Organizations; HRSA-funded Federally
Qualified Health Centers (FQHC), Community Health Centers, or Lookalike; Pharmacies/Drug
Stores/Compounding Pharmacies; Indian Health Service/Tribal/Urban Indian Health Systems;
Cooperative Extension Sites; Worksites/Employee Wellness Programs/Private Businesses;
Senior/Aging/Elder Centers; Health Plans/Insurers; Faith-Based Organizations/Churches.
7. Delivery Mode. An applicant organization can select one delivery mode per each application
submitted (either in-person only, online only, distance learning, or combination). Delivery
modes will be published in the DPRP registry on the CDC website and/or in a publicly available
program locator. For definitions, see the Standards and Requirements for Recognition, Delivery
Mode section.
8. Program Coordinator Name. Provide the name of the individual who will be the applicant
organization’s Program Coordinator. Provide a salutation [e.g., Mr., Mrs., Dr., Ms., Miss, other
(please specify)], last name, first name, and middle initial]. The Program Coordinator’s name
will not be included in the DPRP registry and/or public program locator.
9. Program Coordinator Contact Information. Provide the phone number and email address for
the organization’s Program Coordinator. DPRP staff will use this information to communicate
with the organization. All DPRP-related documents, reports, and emails will go to the Program
Coordinator. The Program Coordinator’s contact information will not be included in the DPRP
registry and/or public program locator.
10. Secondary Contact Name. Provide the name of the individual who will be the applicant
organization’s Secondary Contact, if applicable. This person would be contacted in the event an
organization’s Program Coordinator cannot be reached for routine communication. Provide a
salutation [e.g., Mr., Mrs., Dr., Ms., Miss, other (please specify)], last name, first name, and
middle initial]. The Secondary Contact’s name will not be included in the DPRP registry and/or
public program locator.

2021 CDC Diabetes Prevention Recognition Program

23

11. Secondary Contact Information. Provide the phone number and email address of the
organization’s Secondary Contact, if applicable. The Secondary Contact’s contact information
will not be included in the DPRP registry and/or public program locator.
12. Data Preparer Name. Provide the name of the individual who will be the organization’s Data
Preparer. This can be either the Program Coordinator or the Lifestyle Coach if a third person is
not designated at this time. Provide a salutation [(e.g., Mr., Mrs., Dr., Ms., Miss, other (please
specify)], last name, first name, middle initial, and academic credentials, if applicable [(e.g.,
MD, RN, MPH, MPA, PhD, other (please specify)]. The Data Preparer’s name will not be
included in the DPRP registry and/or public program locator.
13. Data Preparer Contact Information. Provide the phone number and email address of the
organization’s Data Preparer. DPRP staff will use this information to communicate with the
organization about data submission issues, if required. The Data Preparer’s contact information
will not be included in the DPRP registry and/or public program locator.
14. Class Type. Select all applicable class types offered: public (open to anyone who qualifies for
the National DPP LCP without further restrictions), employee (open only to employees of the
organization or the host organization), member-only (open only to member insureds;
membership required) or other (write in target audience served such as American
Indians/Alaska Natives, patients, clients, etc.). Organizations offering classes/sessions to the
public are required to provide/update the physical addresses of the sessions in the manner that
CDC specifies with their six-month data submissions. Upon application approval, the class type
as well as public class information (addresses, if insurance is accepted- optional, or program
costs- optional), will be published in the DPRP registry on the CDC website and/or in a
publicly available program locator. CDC anticipates launching a new, publicly available
program locator in 2020. When this locator is available, CDC-recognized organizations will be
expected to update their public class location information regularly.
15. Lifestyle Coach Training Entity. Provide the name of the training entity the applicant
organization will use or has used to train their main Lifestyle Coaches. Choose from 1) a
training entity that has an MOU with CDC and is listed on the CDC website (found here:
https://nationaldppCustomer Service Center.cdc.gov/s/article/Training-for-your-LifestyleCoaches); 2) a private organization with a national network of program sites; 3) a CDCrecognized virtual organization with national reach; or 4) a Master Trainer who has completed at
least 12 hours of formal training as a Lifestyle Coach, successfully offered the National DPP
lifestyle change program for at least one year, and completed a Master Trainer program offered
by a training entity listed on the CDC website.
16. Curriculum. Select either a CDC-approved curriculum (one that CDC has either developed or
previously approved for use by your or another organization) or ‘Other Curriculum’ if the
applicant organization is submitting an alternate curriculum for review and approval. If
selecting Other Curriculum, provide the completed yearlong curriculum with any supplemental
materials, handouts, or web-based content together with the application.
Certification of Application:
Electronic signature. Submitting the application asserts that the organization has thoroughly
reviewed the CDC Diabetes Prevention Recognition Program Standards and Operating
Procedures and is voluntarily seeking participation in the CDC recognition program. The

2021 CDC Diabetes Prevention Recognition Program
24
organization agrees to comply with all the recognition criteria contained in the DPRP Standards,
including the transmission of data to CDC every 6 months from the CDC-assigned effective date,
for the purpose of program evaluation, continuing recognition, and technical assistance. (Enter the
name and title of the authorized representative, the organization name, and date.)
Once an organization’s application has been reviewed and approved, the DPRP will send an email
to the organization’s Program Coordinator indicating that the organization has been granted
pending recognition. This email will include the unique organization code assigned by the DPRP,
the organization’s effective date (which determines the date the organization’s evaluation data are
due to the DPRP), and instructions for data submission. Once approved, the organization will be
listed on the DPRP Registry and/or a publicly available program locator. This process takes
approximately 15 days.
If an organization submits an alternate curriculum for review and approval by CDC, an initial
email indicating receipt will be sent. Organizations should allow 4-6 weeks for review and
approval of the application and assignment of an organization code. If an alternate curriculum is
not approved by CDC, the application will not be approved. CDC will describe in writing the
reasons why a curriculum is not approved and allow the organization an opportunity to correct any
issues and reapply for recognition once the curriculum is amended. Any questions about an
organization’s application status should be directed to the National DPP Customer Service Center.

IV. Submitting Evaluation Data to the DPRP
When to Submit Data
Each CDC-recognized organization (with pending, preliminary, or full recognition) must submit
session-level participant data to CDC every 6 months. This requirement begins 6 months after the
organization’s effective date. Data submissions may be made at any time during the submission
due month according to the following schedule:
Effective Date
January 1
February 1
March 1
April 1
May 1
June 1
July 1
August 1
September 1
October 1
November 1
December 1

Data Submission Due Month
July/ January
August/February
September/March
October/April
November/May
December/ June
January/ July
February/ August
March/ September
April/ October
May/ November
June/ December

Approximately one month prior to an organization’s data submission due month, the DPRP will
send an email reminder to the organization’s contacts. A second data submission reminder will be

2021 CDC Diabetes Prevention Recognition Program
25
sent to the organization’s contacts, as a courtesy, approximately 2 weeks after the data submission
due month begins. If CDC does not receive the data submission by the last day of the data
submission due month, the organization will lose recognition and will be removed from the DPRP
Registry.
How to Submit Data
Data submissions are made through the DPRP Data Submission Portal (https://dataPortaldprp.services.cdc.gov/samsinfo). Using the Portal requires Secure Access Management System
(SAMS) registration. You must be added to SAMS in order to use the Portal. Individuals added to
the Portal receive an email notification from SAMS and should follow the instructions in the email
to access the system. If you have not completed your SAMS registration, please submit a National
DPP Technical Assistance Request by logging in to the National DPP Customer Service Center.
Key Points Regarding Data Submissions
•
•
•
•
•
•

The organization must have at least one user registered with SAMS to make the data
upload/submission.
Only records for sessions attended in the 6-month data collection period (sequence) prior to
the submission due month should be included on the submission.
In order to make a data submission, there must be at least one record for at least one
participant collected within the sequence.
A single file may contain records from participants enrolled in multiple cohorts.
A data file may be uploaded at any time, but the file can only be submitted during the
submission due month.
Organizations failing to submit complete acceptable data in the month in which data are due
will lose recognition and must wait 6 months before reapplying.

Updating Organizational Information
Organizations will be required to keep contact information, coach information, and public class
locations current. Organizations will have the opportunity to name an MDPP contact as they update
information. Organizations will also be permitted to add an e-mail for a key partner. Updates will be
done through the DPRP Data Submission Portal and/or in a publicly available program locator. This
will be a required step before submitting data files.
How to avoid common data submission errors
•
•
•
•
•
•

Make sure the file is in csv format. [If using an Apple computer, make sure the format is CSV
(Comma Delimited) AND NOT CSV (McIntosh)].
Make sure the file includes all required data elements.
Make sure the data elements are coded correctly.
Make sure all records in the file were collected during the sequence.
Make sure there are no out of range dates or invalid date entries/typos.
Make sure all records that were collected during the sequence are included in the file. (Files
will not be allowed to be resubmitted to include previously omitted records.)

2021 CDC Diabetes Prevention Recognition Program

26

What happens after the file is submitted to CDC?
•
•
•
•

A DPRP statistician will review the file. If there are errors found, the file will be rejected. If no
errors are found, the file will be accepted.
If the file is rejected, CDC will send an email to all listed contacts for the organization with
details about what needs to be corrected, and a deadline by which corrections must be made.
The organization will make corrections and may request technical assistance from DPRP, if
desired.
Once the file is free of errors, CDC will accept the file and send a progress report or evaluation
report, depending on which is applicable at the time, to the primary and secondary contacts.

Transmitted data must conform to the specifications in the data dictionary included below. The
variable names, codes, and values contained in the Data Dictionary (Table 4) must be used. Do
not make any changes in the spelling. Variables (columns) in the data submission file must have
the same names (column headings) and appear in the same order as in the data dictionary.
Organizations should take time to become familiar with all of the data elements and
specifications.
Organizations must not transmit any personally identifiable information (PII) from Lifestyle
Coaches or participants to CDC. All identifiers (except the orgcode, which is provided by CDC)
will be assigned and maintained by the organization according to the specifications outlined in the
data dictionary.
Evaluation Data Elements
Coach ID. A Coach ID will be assigned by the organization to uniquely identify and track
Lifestyle Coaches. The Coach ID must be included on all session attendance records generated for
individual participants. The Coach ID may not be based on a coach’s name, social security
number, or other PII.
Enrollment Motivation. This variable identifies the main motivation which led the participant to
enroll in the yearlong program.
Enrollment Source. This variable identifies whether a healthcare professional was the source
which led the participant to enroll in the yearlong program.
Payer Type. This variable identifies one main payment method that participants are using to pay for
their participation in the yearlong program.
Participant State. The state in which a participant resides should be recorded at enrollment and
included on all session attendance records generated for that participant. The two-letter postal
abbreviation for the U.S. state or territory should be used. Organizations choosing to deliver the
lifestyle program to U.S. citizen participants residing outside of the U.S. or its territories should
default to the participant’s U.S. resident state or U.S. Army Post Office (APO) address state.
Participant’s Prediabetes Determination. Prediabetes determination should be recorded at
enrollment and included on all session attendance records generated for an individual participant.
This indicates whether a participant’s prediabetes status was determined by a blood test, a previous

2021 CDC Diabetes Prevention Recognition Program
27
diagnosis of GDM, or by screening positive on the CDC Prediabetes Risk Test (see guidance titled
CDC/ADA Prediabetes Risk Test). Multiple responses are allowed and may be added. For example,
if a participant was originally enrolled on the basis of a risk test and then subsequently received a
blood test indicating prediabetes, the risk test value remains the same, and the blood test value is
changed to a positive.
HbA1C Value. Only participants who enter the program with a GLUCTEST value of 1 will be able
to use this option, if desired. The initial HbA1C value should be taken within a year before entering
the program and reported within 14 days of the first session attended by the participant. A final
HbA1C value must be collected and submitted prior to final data submission for that National DPP
LCP year. HbA1C values must be included in the last session record and recorded in months 9-12.
Participant’s Age. Age should be recorded at enrollment and the recorded age used throughout all
records regardless of a birthday occurring during the yearlong program. If the participant’s age is
incorrectly recorded at enrollment (or at the first session), the age should be corrected on all records.
If an organization’s recordkeeping system automatically adjusts the age on a participant’s birthday,
then the two recordings of age are acceptable.
Participant’s Ethnicity. Ethnicity should be recorded at enrollment and included on all session
attendance records generated for an individual participant. The participant should self-identify and
choose one of the following: Hispanic/Latino, not Hispanic/Latino, or not reported.
Participant’s Race. Race should be recorded at enrollment and included on all session attendance
records generated for an individual participant. The participant should self-identify and choose one
or more of the following: American Indian or Alaska Native, Asian or Asian American, Black or
African American, Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander, and/or White. Multiple responses are
allowed. This element requires responses for five fields, and each field includes a response for not
reported.
Participant’s Sex. Sex should be recorded at enrollment and included on all session attendance
records generated for an individual participant. The participant should indicate the sex they were
assigned at birth, on their original birth certificate. The data record should indicate male, female,
or not reported.
Participant’s Gender. Gender should be recorded upon enrollment and included similarly on all
session attendance records generated for an individual participant. The participant should indicate
how they describe themselves. The data record should indicate male, female, transgender, or not
reported.
Participant’s Height. Height should be recorded at enrollment and included on all session
attendance records generated for an individual participant. Height may be self-reported (i.e., it is
not necessary to measure each participant’s height; the participant may simply be asked, “What is
your height?” or “How tall are you?”). The participant’s height should be recorded to the nearest
whole inch.
Education. Education will identify the highest grade or year of school the participant completed.
This information should be recorded at enrollment and included on all session attendance records
generated for an individual participant; may be updated one time if education changes
Delivery Mode. This variable identifies the delivery mode, as defined in the Applying for

2021 CDC Diabetes Prevention Recognition Program
Recognition section, for this specific participant and session (i.e., in-person, online, distance
learning). Please note that, since this is a session level variable, combination mode does not
apply.

28

Session Type. This variable identifies the session attended within months 1-6 (scheduled core
sessions) as “C”, core maintenance sessions attended within months 7-12 as “CM”, or ongoing
maintenance sessions as “OM” in the second year (post-yearlong National DPP LCP) for
Medicare DPP suppliers or other organizations that choose to offer ongoing maintenance
sessions. MDPP suppliers must collect and report data for ongoing maintenance sessions in the
same way they do for core and core maintenance sessions, including recording participant
weights. CDC will collect these data for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to assist
with their continued implementation and assessment of the MDPP expanded model.
Make-up sessions will be identified as “MU-C” if the participant is making up a session that
was regularly scheduled in months 1-6. Make-up sessions will be identified as “MU-CM” if the
participant is making up a session that was regularly scheduled in months 7-12. Make-up
sessions will be identified as “MU-OM” if the participant is making up a session in the second
year (post-yearlong National DPP LCP).
Session Date. Each time a participant attends a session, the actual date of the session should be
recorded. The date should be recorded in mm/dd/yyyy format. A participant should not have
more than one record (line of data) for any specific session date, except for make-up sessions.
One make-up session per week may be held on the same date as a regularly scheduled session
for the convenience of the participant. For online sessions, organizations should record the date
each session is completed.
Participant’s Weight. Each time a participant attends a session, his or her body weight should be
measured and recorded to the nearest whole pound. The weight should be included on the record
for that participant and session. For online programs, organizations should record the weight
associated with the session completion date.
Participant’s Physical Activity Minutes. Participants are required to report the number of
minutes of moderate or brisk physical activity completed during the preceding week. This
information should be included on the record for that participant and session. If a participant
reports doing no activity during the preceding week, then zero (0) minutes should be recorded.
Table 4. Data Dictionary: Evaluation Data Elements
Data element
description

Variable
name

Coding/valid values

Comments

1. Organization Code

ORGCODE

Assigned by CDC

Required, provided by CDC

2. Participant ID

PARTICIP

Up to 25 alphanumeric characters*
If using only numbers, please limit to
11 to avoid formatting issues with
Excel. CDC suggests not using IDs
resembling dates.

Required. Participant ID is
uniquely assigned and maintained
by the applicant organization and
must not contain any PII.

2021 CDC Diabetes Prevention Recognition Program

29

3. Cohort ID

COHORTID

Up to 25 alphanumeric characters*
If using only numbers, please limit to
11 to avoid formatting issues with
Excel. CDC suggests not using IDs
resembling dates.

Required. Cohort ID is uniquely
assigned and maintained by the
applicant organization and must
not contain any PII. If a
participant changes to a new
cohort, it is strongly recommended
that the new cohort be on the same
timeline as the initial cohort,
because the participant will now
be evaluated on the timeline of the
new cohort. If a participant joins a
cohort that is not on the same
timeline, the organization can use
the Participant ID as the Cohort ID
to indicate the person will be on an
individual timeline.

4. Coach ID

COACHID

Up to 25 alphanumeric characters*

Required. Coach ID is uniquely
assigned and maintained by the
applicant organization and must
not contain any PII. Lifestyle
coaches who deliver the CMS
MDPP should use their National
Provider Identifier (NPI) as their
Coach ID.

If using only numbers, please limit to
11 to avoid formatting issues with
Excel. CDC suggests not using IDs
resembling dates.

5. Enrollment
Motivation

ENROLL MOT

1. Health care professional
2. Blood test results
3. Prediabetes risk test (short
survey)
4. Someone at a communitybased organization (church,
community center, fitness center)
5. Family or friends
6. Current or past participant in
the National DPP LCP
7. Employer or employer’s
wellness plan
8. Health insurance plan
9. Media advertisements (social
media, flyer, brochure, radio ad,
billboard, etc.)

Required. At enrollment,
participants are asked who/what
motivated them the most to sign up
for this program; what was the most
influential factor?

2021 CDC Diabetes Prevention Recognition Program
6. Enrollment Source

ENROLL-HC

1. Yes, a doctor/doctor’s office
2. Yes, a pharmacist
3. Yes, other healthcare
professional

30

Required. At enrollment,
participants are asked if a healthcare
professional asked them to join this
National DPP LCP.

4. No
7. Payer Source

PAYERSOUR 1 Medicare
CE
2 Medicaid
3 Private Insurer

Required. At enrollment,
participants are asked “Who is the
primary payer for your participation
in this National DPP LCP?”

4 Self-pay
5 Dual Eligible (Medicare and
Medicaid)
6 Grant funding
7 Employer
8 Free of charge
9 Other

8. Participant State

STATE

Two-letter abbreviation for the
U.S. state or territory in which
the participant resides

Required

9. Participant’s
Prediabetes
Determination (1 of
3)

GLUCTEST

1 Prediabetes diagnosed by

Required; acceptable tests include
fasting blood glucose ( FG), oral
glucose tolerance test (OGTT),
A1c, or a lab test result indicating
diagnosis of prediabetes.

blood glucose test
2 Prediabetes NOT diagnosed

by blood glucose test
(default)

10. Participant’s
A1C
reported HbA1c value,
if applicable.

2.5 to 18 999 if not reported

Required if organization plans to
use the participant’s HbA1c to
determine reduction in risk

11. Participant’s
Prediabetes
Determination (2 of
3)

GDM

12. Participant’s
Prediabetes
Determination (3 of
3)

RISKTEST

13. Participant’s Age

AGE

18 to 125 (in years, rounded with
no decimals)

Required

14. Participant’s
Ethnicity

ETHNIC

1 Hispanic or Latino
2 NOT Hispanic or Latino

Required; if ethnicity is not
reported by the participant, this
variable will be coded as ‘9’.

1 Prediabetes determined by

Required

clinical diagnosis of GDM
during previous pregnancy
2 Prediabetes NOT determined
by GDM (default)
1 Prediabetes determined by risk test Required
2 Prediabetes NOT determined by

risk test (default)

9 Not reported (default)

2021 CDC Diabetes Prevention Recognition Program
15. Participant’s
Race (1 of 5)

AIAN

1 American Indian or Alaska Native
2 NOT American Indian or

Alaska Native (default)
16. Participant’s
Race (2 of 5)

ASIAN

1 Asian or Asian American
2 NOT Asian or Asian American

(default)
17. Participant’s
Race (3 of 5)

BLACK

1 Black or African American
2 NOT Black or African

American (default)
1 Native Hawaiian or Other

31

Required; if race is not reported
by the participant, all of the 5 race
variables will be coded as ‘2’.
Required; if race is not reported
by the participant, all of the 5 race
variables will be coded as ‘2’.
Required; if race is not reported
by the participant, all of the 5 race
variables will be coded as ‘2’.

18. Participant’s
Race (4 of 5)

NHOPI

19. Participant’s
Race (5 of 5)

WHITE

1 White
2 NOT White (default)

Required; if race is not reported
by the participant, all of the 5 race
variables will be coded as ‘2’.

20. Participant’s Sex

SEX

1 Male
2 Female

Required

Pacific Islander
2 NOT Native Hawaiian or
Other Pacific Islander

Required; if race is not reported
by the participant, all of the 5 race
variables will be coded as ‘2’.

9 Not reported

21. Participant’s
Gender

GENDER

1
2
3
9

Male
Female
Transgender
Not reported

Required

22. Participant’s
Height

HEIGHT

30 to 98 (in inches)

Required

23. Education

EDU

1 Less than grade 12 (No high school Required
diploma or GED)
2 Grade 12 or GED (High school
graduate)
3 Some college or technical school
4 College or technical school
graduate or higher
9 Not reported (default)

24. Delivery Mode

DMODE

1 In-person
2 Online
3 Distance learning

Required

2021 CDC Diabetes Prevention Recognition Program
25. Session Type

SESSTYPE

C

Core session

CM

Core maintenance session

OM
Ongoing maintenance
sessions (for MDPP supplier
organizations or other organizations
that choose to offer ongoing
maintenance sessions)
MU-C Make-up sessions in the
Core phase

32

Required. Any session delivered in
months 1-6, even if pulled from
months 7-12 of the PreventT2
curriculum content, for example,
must be coded as a Core session, C.
Any session delivered in months 712, even if pulled from months 1-6
of curriculum content, must be
coded as a Core Maintenance
session, CM.

MU-CM Make-up sessions in the
Core Maintenance phase
MU-OM Make-up sessions in the
Ongoing Maintenance phase
26. Session Date

DATE

mm/dd/yyyy

Required. Each data record
represents attendance by one
participant at one session; must
specify actual date of the session.
One make-up session per week
may be recorded on the same
session date as a regularly
scheduled session.

27. Participant’s
Weight

WEIGHT

70 to 997 (in pounds)

Required. At each session,
participants are weighed; weight
must be included on the record for
that session and participant. Weight
may be obtained by the Lifestyle
Coach or participant on a regular
scale, or through the use of a digital
or Bluetooth-enabled scale. For
MDPP suppliers, participants
cannot self-report weight except as
specifically waived by CMS.

28. Participant’s
Physical Activity
Minutes

PA

999 If weight cannot be reported

0 to (in minutes)

Required. At some or all program
sessions, participants are asked to
report the number of minutes of
moderate or brisk physical activity
they completed in the preceding
week. If a participant reports doing
no activity during the preceding
week, then zero (0) minutes should
be recorded.

A1c: Hemoglobin A1c test; FG: fasting blood glucose test; GDM: gestational diabetes mellitus; PII: personally
identifiable information (directly or indirectly identifiable); OGTT: oral glucose tolerance test
*All alphanumeric coding values are case sensitive and should not include any spaces or special characters.

2021 CDC Diabetes Prevention Recognition Program

V. Technical Assistance

33

At the discretion of CDC or National DPP leadership, aggregated data at the organizational, state,
regional, or national level may be shared with external partners for the purpose of preparing reports
or manuscripts, or providing targeted technical assistance. Technical assistance is currently
available to all recognized organizations through a variety of mechanisms:
1. Webinars
a. Regularly scheduled “Office Hours” webinars designed to provide information on
topics related to delivery of the National DPP LCP
b. Ad hoc webinars to address program changes, new initiatives, population-specific
strategies, and other relevant topics
2. Summary and Recommendations sections in each progress report (ongoing cohort progress
prior to a completed cohort)/evaluation report (full, completed cohort evaluation for
recognition status)
a. Results specific to the most recent data submission
b. Organization-specific strategies for meeting any requirements currently not being
met
3. The National DPP Customer Service Center (www.NationalDPPCSC.cdc.gov)
a. Direct access to technical assistance agents
b. Tools/resources in the form of knowledge articles
c. Discussion board
4. Technical assistance calls available to organizations
a. Initiated by CDC Technical Assistance staff
b. Initiated by organizations through the National DPP Customer Service Center
5. Technical Assistance Calls or Site Visits from National DPP State Quality Specialists who have been
trained and certified by CDC.

VI. Quality Assurance Reviews
The DPRP has developed a Quality Assurance Review (QAR) program with established processes
and protocols for assuring quality amongst CDC-recognized organizations offering the National
DPP LCP. Quality assurance reviews will be conducted to assure that organizations are
implementing quality programs aligned with the evidence-based standards, collecting and reporting data
properly, marketing CDC-recognized programs and material on websites properly (where
applicable), and following all of the DPRP requirements for CDC-recognized organizations,
including:
• Use of a CDC-approved curriculum
• Reporting changes to a curriculum made after initial approval
• Meeting basic and advanced training requirements for coaches which includes the two-hour
continuing education requirement
• Following change of ownership requirements
• Providing live coach interaction as required
• Providing six-month updates on class locations
Quality assurance reviews can be either targeted (where CDC has learned that an organization could
benefit from this process) or random. Technical assistance will be provided as needed during the

2021 CDC Diabetes Prevention Recognition Program
QAR process. The process is designed to be beneficial to organizations, and organizations are
expected to participate jointly with CDC in the QAR process.

34

After a CDC-recognized organization is identified for a quality assurance review, the QAR process
involves (please allow 4-6 weeks for a completed review):
1. Notice of quality assurance review via e-mail;
2. Review of organizational and/or program information, which could include data submissions,
against a standard protocol to determine which type of technical assistance intervention will
occur (e.g., a conference call, site visit, examination of program delivery protocol—including
virtual programming, or some other reasonable method);
3. Notice of the quality assurance review findings via e-mail along with an opportunity to
discuss findings with CDC via a conference call;
4. Work with the organization to correct any issues found during the QAR process within a
reasonable timeline; and
5. Technical assistance to the organization during the QAR process, where applicable.
6. There will be a mandatory 6-month waiting period to reapply for CDC recognition if an
organization either withdraws or is revoked after a QAR process which finds that
revocation/withdrawal from the DPRP is necessary.
If, upon completion of the full QAR process, an organization feels the QAR findings are in need of
further review, it may submit a one-time appeal to the QAR Appeals Review Board. The DPRP and
the organization jointly agree to accept and implement the findings of the QAR Appeals Review
Board.

VII. National Registry of Organizations with CDC Recognition
A list of CDC-recognized organizations with pending, preliminary, and full recognition will be
published on the DPRP registry on the CDC website and/or in a publicly available program locator.
Other data fields listed on the CDC website include: organization name, address, phone number,
website (if provided to CDC), delivery mode, class type (e.g., public, members only, employees,
etc.), and whether the organization is part of an umbrella arrangement.

VIII. Guidance Documents

2021 CDC Diabetes Prevention Recognition Program

35

Appendix A. Organizational Capacity Assessment
Introduction
The CDC Diabetes Prevention Recognition Program (DPRP) is a voluntary program for
organizations interested in offering the National Diabetes Prevention Program (National DPP)
lifestyle change program (National DPP LCP) for people at high risk for type 2 diabetes.
Organizations interested in applying to become a CDC-recognized diabetes prevention
program are strongly advised to read the CDC DPRP Standards and Operating Procedures
and complete this Capacity Assessment prior to applying for recognition.
Benefits of Completing the 2020 Capacity Assessment
Assessing your organization’s capacity will identify areas that may need to be enhanced, prior
to applying for CDC recognition, to ensure the organization is able to deliver the yearlong
National DPP LCP with quality and fidelity to the DPRP Standards and sustain the program
long term. Sustainable delivery organizations are those that have the capacity to implement the
National DPP LCP without federal, state, or local government or other non-governmental grant
dollars long-term. In addition, it is necessary for the organization to have appropriate staff with
the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed in the Guidelines for Staff Eligibility, Skills and
Roles, and Sample Job Descriptions sections of the CDC DPRP Standards and Operating
Procedures document.
Directions for Completing the 2020 Capacity Assessment
1. Refer to the CDC DPRP Standards and Operating Procedures document, available at
https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/prevention/lifestyle-program/apply_recognition.html,
when completing this questionnaire.
2. DPRP Standards Reference - indicates the location of the relevant information in the CDC
DPRP Standards and Operating Procedures document.
3. Organizational capacity assessment questions - Read the question and check one box:
“yes”, “no”, “unsure”, or “Not Applicable (N/A)”. The “N/A” might apply to
online/virtual organizations.
4. Total the number of “yes”, “no”, “unsure”, and “N/A” responses at the bottom of the
questionnaire. If the total number of “no” and “unsure” responses outnumber the “yes”
responses, then consider applying at a later date when your organization is ready.
5. For each Capacity Assessment topic with a “no” or “unsure” response, consider working with
your organization’s leadership to enhance your readiness before applying for recognition.
Partnering with an existing CDC-recognized organization in your community or contacting the
National DPP Customer Service Center and initiating a National DPP Technical Assistance
request may be helpful.

Capacity
Topic
DPRP
Standards

DPRP
Standards
Reference
CDC DPRP
Standards and
Operating
Procedureshttps://www.cdc.g
ov/diabetes/preven
tion/pdf/dprpstandards.pdf

Organizational Capacity Assessment
Questions
A. Have the following people from your
organization read the CDC DPRP Standards
and Operating Procedures (DPRP
Standards)?
1. Leadership/management
2. Program Coordinator (if already hired)
3. Lifestyle Coach(es) (if already hired)
4. Data Preparer or Manager (if different
from other key staff and already hired)

Leadership
and Staff
Support

B. Do the following people from your
organization support submission of this
application for CDC recognition?
1. Leadership/management
2. Program Coordinator (if already hired)
3. Lifestyle Coach(es) (if already hired)
4. Data Preparer or Manager (if different from
other key staff and already hired)

Staff

Guidelines for
Staff Eligibility,
Skills and Roles,
and Sample Job
Descriptions

C. Does your organization have or plan to hire
the following staff (at minimum) with the
knowledge, skills, and abilities listed in
Guidelines for Staff Eligibility, Skills and
Roles, and Sample Job Descriptions section of
the DPRP Standards?
1. A Diabetes Prevention Coordinator
responsible for submitting data to CDC
and receiving all programmatic and datarelated correspondence about the
organization’s recognition status
2. A Lifestyle Coach responsible for
implementing the yearlong CDC-approved
curriculum and providing support and
guidance to participants in the program

Staff Training

D. Does your organization have a plan for
Program Coordinator(s), Lifestyle Coach(es), and
Data Preparer(s) or Manager(s) (if available) to
offer or attend the following?

Yes No

Unsure N/A 35

36
1. A training on delivery of a CDC-approved
curriculum that includes the required content
listed within the DPRP Standards (If outside
training is needed, please see a list of training
entities that hold Memorandums of
Understanding with CDC here:
https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/prevention/life
style-program/staffing-training.html.)
2. For organizations offering online only or
combination programs, training on the
specific technology platform to be used to
deliver the online National DPP LCP
3. Training on computer skills necessary for
data collection and interpretation of
participants’ outcomes to effectively monitor
their progress toward meeting program goals
4. CDC-sponsored webinar trainings on
specialized topics including but not limited
to program delivery (“Welcome to the
DPRP”) and data submission (“Submit for
Success”)

DPRP
Evaluation Data
Collection and
Submission

Submitting
Evaluation Data
to the DPRP

5. Training to comply with federal, Health
Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
(HIPAA), state, and or local laws governing
personally identifiable information (PII),
including laws related to data collection,
storage, use, and disclosure (CDC does not
permit the transmission of PII.)
6. Additional refresher training or training to
develop new skills including but not limited
to group coaching and motivational
interviewing needed to effectively manage
and deliver the yearlong National DPP LCP
E. Does your organization have staff with the
knowledge, skills, and tools needed to collect,
enter, monitor, and submit the required DPRP
evaluation data elements using a CDC data entry
Portal or uploading a comma separated value
(CSV) format to the CDC DPRP submission
Portal every 6 months?
1. If you answered “Yes” to question E.
above, has your organization designated a
staff member who will be responsible for
collecting, entering, monitoring, and
submitting the required DPRP evaluation
data elements to CDC every 6 months?

37
2. If you answered “No” or “Unsure” to
question E. above, does your organization
have a plan for training a designated staff
member who will be responsible for
collecting, entering, monitoring, and
submitting the required DPRP evaluation
data elements to CDC every 6 months?
3. If you answered “No” or “Unsure” to
question E. above, does your
organization have a plan to contract with
an external organization (i.e., a third
party data administrator) with the
knowledge, skills, and tools needed to
collect, enter, monitor, and submit the
required DPRP evaluation data elements
on behalf of your organization to the
CDC DPRP every 6 months?
Organization
Infrastructure:
in-person
only

Organization
Infrastructure:
online only,
distance
learning, or
combination
programs

Eligible
Participants

Location and
Delivery
Mode

Location and
Delivery
Mode

Participant
Eligibility

F. For organizations offering in-person only
programs:
1. Does your organization have any
designated space in which to offer the
yearlong National DPP LCP?
2. Does your organization provide private
settings in which participants can be
weighed and monitored by a Lifestyle
Coach?
G. For organizations offering online only,
distance learning, or combination programs:
1. Does your organization have any
designated space in which to offer the
in-person portion of your combination
yearlong National DPP LCP?
2. Does your organization have appropriate
equipment or a technology platform to
deliver the online or distance learning
version of the yearlong National DPP
3. LCP?
Does your organization have appropriate
equipment or a technology platform to
allow participants to interact with a
Lifestyle Coach over the yearlong
National DPP LCP?
4. Does your organization have the ability
to obtain weights via digital technology
such as Bluetooth-enabled scales?
H. Does your organization have access to a
large number of individuals at high risk for
type 2 diabetes that meet the eligibility
requirements listed in the DPRP Standards?

38
Recruitment
and Enrollment

Participant
Eligibility

I. Does your organization have the ability to
recruit and enroll a sufficient number of eligible
participants (i.e., via marketing and media
outreach, partnership engagement, health fairs,
referrals from healthcare professionals, etc.) to
maintain an adequate number of participants and
classes over time?
1. Does your organization have the capacity to
offer at least one class, starting with a
minimum of 10-15 participants and ending in
5 or more participants, every 12 months?
2. Has your organization made connections with
healthcare providers, insurers, or employee
wellness programs to help ensure referrals to
your program?
3. If you answered “No” or “Unsure” to
questions a, b, or c above, has your
organization made connections or formed a
partnership with other CDC-recognized
organizations or considered joining an
umbrella arrangement?

Sustainability

J. Does your organization have a plan to
sustain the yearlong National DPP LCP long
term without federal, state, or local
government or other nongovernmental grant
funds?
1. If you answered “Yes” to question J.
above, does your organization plan to
become a Medicare Diabetes Prevention
Program (MDPP) supplier?
2. If you answered “No” or “Unsure” to
question J above, does your organization
plan to engage private insurers and/or
employers to discuss coverage of the
National DPP LCP?

Tools and
Resources

K. Has your organization reviewed the
following downloadable tools and resources
on CDC’s National Diabetes Prevention
Program Customer Service Center web site
available at https://nationaldppCustomer
Service Center.cdc.gov/s/

1.

Resources for Recruiting Participants
available at
https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/prevention/lifes
tyle-program/resources/participants.html

39
2.

Resources for Healthcare Professionals
available at
https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/prevention/info
-hcp.html

3.

Resources for Pharmacists available at
https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/prevention/phar
macists.html

4.

Resources for Employers and Insurers
available at
https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/prevention/emp
loyers-insurers.htm

5.

Resources to Encourage Participant Retention
(Personal Success Tool) available at
https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/prevention/lifes
tyle-program/resources/retention.html

6.

Prevent T2 Marketing Resources for
Recruiting and Retaining Participants
available at
https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/prevention/reso
urces/index.html

7.

Program Champion Strategy Toolkit available
at
https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/prevention/reso
urces/champion-toolkit.html

Total number of boxes check for each

40

Appendix B. ADA/CDC Risk Test PREDIABETES RISK TEST
Prediabetes: You Could Be at Risk
Prediabetes is a condition where blood glucose (sugar) levels are higher than normal but not high enough to
be diagnostic for type 2 diabetes. Diabetes is a serious disease that can cause heart attacks; strokes;
blindness; kidney failure; or loss of toes, feet, or legs. Type 2 diabetes can be delayed or prevented in
people with prediabetes through an effective lifestyle change program. It is important for people to take the
first step by identifying their risk for type 2 diabetes.1
•

The jointly sponsored ADA/CDC Prediabetes Risk Test can be found at
https://www.cdc.gov/prediabetes/takethetest. The risk test can also be downloaded and printed from
the provided link.

41

42

Appendix C. Staffing Guidelines, Roles, and Responsibilities and Sample
Position Descriptions
Lifestyle Coach Qualifications and Training
CDC-recognized organizations are responsible for ensuring that an adequate and well-trained workforce
dedicated to the National Diabetes Prevention Program (National DPP) lifestyle change program
(National DPP LCP) is in place before launching the first class. Eligible Lifestyle Coaches must be
formally trained to a CDC-approved curriculum for a minimum of 12 hours, or approximately two days,
by one of the following: 1) a training entity listed on the National DPP Customer Service Center, 2) a
private organization with a national network of CDC-recognized program sites whose Master Trainers
were trained by an MOU-holding training entity listed on the National DPP Customer Service Center
webpage, 3) a CDC-recognized virtual organization with national reach whose Master Trainers were
trained by an MOU-holding training entity listed on the National DPP Customer Service Center
webpage, or 4) a Master Trainer who has delivered the National DPP LCP for at least one year and has
completed a Master Trainer program offered by a training entity on the National DPP Customer Service
Center. While Lifestyle Coaches may have credentials (e.g., Registered Dietitians, Registered Nurses,
Pharmacists, Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialists), credentials are not required.
Community Health Workers and lay people can be effective coaches as well.
Recognized organizations are responsible for the ongoing support and continued training of Lifestyle Coaches.
Organizations should provide Lifestyle Coaches with an opportunity to attend CDC-sponsored webinar training
on specialized topics such as program delivery and data submission and refresher training as needed. All
Lifestyle Coaches should also complete at least two hours of Advanced Coach Training each year. Advanced
Coach Training is 1) training beyond the required formal training for Lifestyle Coaches that builds on the
foundational skills necessary for helping participants make effective lifestyle change and 2) limited to trainings
provided by training entities that are listed on the National DPP Customer Service Center. Recognized
organizations should refer to the National DPP Customer Service Center for information about training
opportunities.
Understanding that Lifestyle Coaches have a range of roles and responsibilities in addition to the delivery of the
National DPP LCP, recognized organizations should allocate enough time for Lifestyle Coaches to carry out
their core responsibilities effectively. A minimum of 3-5 hours of staff time should be allocated to deliver a
one-hour class session, although this may vary depending on the organization. Decisions about the number of
Lifestyle Coaches hired and time allocation for program delivery will vary based on the delivery modality (i.e.,
in-person, online, or combination), the experience of the Lifestyle Coaches, the number of classes and locations
served at one time, and whether the organization is in a start-up, maintenance, or expansion phase of program
delivery.
Additional time outside of class is typically needed for:
•

planning and reviewing class session content;

•

preparing and monitoring data to support quality improvement;

•

arranging and adapting session plans to meet unique participant needs such as language, cultural

•

or dietary restrictions, or hearing or sight impairments;

•

reviewing data participants submit about physical activity minutes and or food tracking and
providing feedback to individual participants;

•

recording and verifying data participants submit and share about physical activity minutes to
support data submission to CDC; and

•

interacting with participants between classes to support retention (such as using social media;
sending phone, e-mail, or text reminders; or engaging in online communities).

43

Position Description- Lifestyle Coach
Role of the Lifestyle Coach: Lifestyle Coaches implement a CDC-approved curriculum designed for
effective lifestyle change for preventing or delaying type 2 diabetes and provide support and guidance to
participants in the program.
Responsibilities of the Lifestyle Coach:
a. Delivering the National DPP LCP and adhering to a CDC-approved curriculum with the required
intensity and duration (per the Diabetes Prevention Recognition Program Standards and Operating
Procedures, i.e., DPRP Standards) to class participants in an effective, meaningful, and compelling way.
b. Encouraging group or individual participation and interaction using open-ended questions and
facilitating commitment to activities for effective lifestyle change.
c. Motivating participants and creating a friendly environment for group discussion or interactive learning,
whether in-person or online.
d. Making learning a shared objective and encouraging peer-to-peer learning.
e. Preparing for each class by reviewing the lesson plan and class content, reviewing data, making
reminder calls or sending text messages to participants, and reviewing participants’ food and activity
trackers.
f. Being accessible to participants both before and after sessions to answer questions.
g. In collaboration with the Program Coordinator and/or Data Preparer, recording, entering, and
submitting session data elements for each participant as noted in Table 2 within the DPRP
Standards.
h. Collaborating with the Program Coordinator and others involved in data preparation to regularly
monitor participant progress and address any issues to improve participant outcomes.
i. Following up with participants outside of class if they were unable to attend a session that week
(during months 1-6) or month (during months 7-12) to offer a make-up session.
j. Supporting and encouraging goal setting and problem-solving.
k. Complying with all applicable laws and regulations, including those governing participant privacy
and data security (e.g., the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act [HIPAA]).
l. Completing the required organizational training, refresher or advanced coach training, and training
offered by CDC, such as DPRP-sponsored webinars.
m. For organizations seeking reimbursement for delivery to Medicare beneficiaries, Lifestyle Coaches will
need to obtain a National Provider Identifier (NPI) number from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid

Services.
44

Program Coordinator Qualifications, Training, and Eligibility
An organization seeking CDC recognition by participating in the DPRP must designate an individual to serve
in the role of Program Coordinator at the time its application is submitted. Because of the critical role the
Program Coordinator plays in hiring, guiding, and supervising Lifestyle Coaches, it is highly recommended
that a Program Coordinator have at least one year of experience working as a Lifestyle Coach. Program
Coordinators should also complete formal training as a Lifestyle Coach and at least two hours of Advanced
Coach Training each year.
A Program Coordinator is also responsible for data submission to CDC and receives all programmatic and
data-related correspondence from CDC regarding the organization’s recognition status. The Program
Coordinator is CDC’s point of contact. When an organization has a Program Coordinator staffing change,
CDC must be notified of the new point of contact immediately by logging in to the National DPP Customer
Service Center and initiating an Update Organization Contact Information request. If a CDC-recognized
organization serves a large number of participants at any one time, multiple Program Coordinators may be
required. Similarly, if a CDC-recognized organization serves a small number of participants at any one time, it
may be appropriate for a Program Coordinator to serve simultaneously in the role of the Lifestyle Coach,
provided they complete the proper Lifestyle Coach training.

Position Description- Program Coordinator
Roles of the Program Coordinator:
•

Program Coordinators serve as the organizational experts for implementing the National DPP LCP
consistent with Diabetes Prevention Recognition Program Standards and Operating Procedures, i.e.,
DPRP Standards.

•

They supervise daily operations related to the National DPP LCP and provide guidance and support to
Lifestyle Coaches.

•

Program Coordinators understand program data submitted to CDC’s DPRP and facilitate actions to
monitor data and support or mentor Lifestyle Coaches toward quality performance outcomes.

•

They disseminate information sent from CDC’s DPRP to others in the organization about training,
technical assistance, and the organization’s performance and CDC recognition status.

•

They are familiar with how to request technical assistance from CDC and how to mobilize the
training and information resources CDC provides through the Customer Service Center within their
organization.

•

Program Coordinators may engage in other key functions such as publicity and marketing of the
National DPP LCP, which may require assistance from senior leadership in the organization.

Responsibilities of the Program Coordinator:
1. Responsibilities to CDC include:

a. Serving as the direct link between their organization and the CDC and as the lead for distributing DPRP
45
information to relevant staff (i.e., Lifestyle Coaches and data preparers, if applicable).
b. Participating in technical assistance opportunities offered by CDC’s DPRP and in quality assurance
assessments offered by CDC.
c. Notifying CDC’s DPRP of any changes to organizational information or the CDC-approved curriculum
used by the organization following the initial application for recognition.
2. Responsibilities to the CDC-recognized organization include:
a. Hiring and supervising Lifestyle Coaches.
b. Organizing Lifestyle Coach training to a CDC-approved curriculum and ongoing training and skillbuilding opportunities.
c. Supporting Lifestyle Coaches in implementing the National DPP LCP.
d. Monitoring and evaluating the quality of support that Lifestyle Coaches provide to the National
DPP LCP participants.
e. Recruiting, screening, and registering eligible participants for the National DPP LCP.
f. Organizing a master schedule of the National DPP LCP classes offered by the CDC-recognized
organization.
g. Ensuring adequate publicity for and marketing of the National DPP LCP (some Program Coordinators
have additional responsibility for establishing community partnerships that drive enrollment, referrals,
and reimbursement).
h. Engaging with payers to bill for program participation, as appropriate.
i. Assisting Lifestyle Coaches with launching each yearlong class and evaluating the cohort based on the
goals of the National DPP LCP, realigning program delivery where needed.
j. Assisting in ensuring commitment and retention of National DPP LCP participants.
k. Facilitating a review of program data with Lifestyle Coaches and other relevant staff,
including a data preparer as needed, to regularly monitor and strategize how to improve
participant performance.
l. Providing class coverage in the absence of a Lifestyle Coach.
m. Complying with all applicable laws and regulations, including those governing participant privacy
and data security (e.g., HIPAA).
n. Completing the required organizational training, refresher or new skills training, and training
offered by CDC (e.g., DPRP webinars), and facilitating the completion of these trainings by
Lifestyle Coaches.
o. For organizations seeking reimbursement for delivery to Medicare beneficiaries, Program Coordinators
filling in as Lifestyle Coaches will need to obtain a National Provider Identifier (NPI) number from the
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services through their CDC-recognized organization.

Appendix D. Using Data for Evaluation-

46

The Path to Evaluation for One Organization

How a Cohort Moves Through the Program
•

New Org XYZ is approved and awarded pending recognition on February 7th.

•

New Org XYZ is assigned an effective date of March 1st.

•

New Org XYZ enrolls 10 participants in “May Cohort” who attend their first session on May 3rd (Start
of the Core phase; first 6 months of the program).

•

New Org XYZ makes their 6-month (Sequence 1) data submission in September.
o Includes records for all sessions attended from February 7th through August 31st.
o “May Cohort” will not yet have completed the Core phase until November 3rd (6 full months).

•

May Cohort starts the Core Maintenance phase on November 4th (second 6 months of the program).
o (Core Maintenance modules may be used prior to this date, but the all sessions held prior to
November 4th MUST be coded as Core).

•

New Org XYZ makes their 12-month (Sequence 2) data submission in March.
o Includes records for all sessions attended from September 1st through February 28th or 29th.
o Cohorts that began sessions in Sequence 0 (between approval date and effective dates,) are
eligible for an evaluation at the time of the 12-month submission.

47
o A full 365 days must lapse from the day the first session of the cohort is held before an
evaluation is performed.
•

May Cohort completes the Core Maintenance phase on May 3rd.
o The final session for this cohort may be held prior to May 3rd, but the cohort will not be eligible
for an evaluation until the next submission AFTER this date.

•

New Org XYZ makes their 18-month (Sequence 3) data submission in September.
o Includes records for all sessions attended from March 1st through August 31st.
o Full evaluation is performed on any cohorts that began in Sequence 1.

How a Participant Moves Through the Program
•

10 participants enroll in May Cohort.
o 1 participant is ineligible based on BMI.
o 9 eligible participants.

•

By the beginning of Month 4, 9 eligible participants are still in the program (Retention= 9/9=100%).

•

By the beginning of Month 7, 7 eligible participants are still in the program (Retention=7/9=77.8%).

•

By the beginning of Month 10, 5 participants are still in the program (Retention=5/9=55.6%).
o All 5 of these participants attended the 8-minimum number of required sessions in months 1-6.
o All 5 of these participants have met the criteria to be called a completer.

•

Requirement 5 is met.
o The number of completers in all cohorts that held their first session in Sequence 1 is at least 5.

•

Requirement 6 is met.
o 2 of the 5 completers achieved the required minimum 5% weight loss.
o 1 of the 5 completers achieved the required minimum 4% weight loss combined with the
required minimum 150 minutes/week on average of physical activity.
o 0 of 5 reported a .2% reduction in HbA1C.
o 3 of the 5 completers met at least one of the three outcomes required to meet the requirement
(3/5=60%; 60% ≥ 60% requirement).

•

Requirement 7 is met.
o 3 of the 5 completers were eligible for the program based on a blood test 3/5=60%; 60% ≥ 35%
requirement).

•

New Org XYZ is awarded Full recognition for 3 years.

•

Retention thresholds.

o Month 4 retention was 100% (100% ≥ 50% requirement).
o Month 7 retention was 77.8% (77.8% ≥ 40% requirement).
o Month 10 retention was 55.6% (55.6% ≥ 30% requirement).
•

48

New Org XYZ is awarded Full recognition for an additional 2 year (5 years in total).

Calculations for Requirement 6
Weight change = (1 – (final recorded weight ÷ initial recorded weight)) x 100
Average Weekly Physical Activity Minutes = Sum of all recorded weekly minutes (including 0s) ÷ Number of
all sessions attended
HbA1C Reduction = Initial HbA1C measurement – Final HbA1C measurement

49

Appendix E. Guidance for Measuring/Recording Weight and Reporting
Physical Activity Minutes
Measuring/Recording Weight
1. Lifestyle Coaches are allowed to weigh participants, or participants may self-report weight.
2. Place scale on a firm, flat surface.
3. Participants should remove any coats, heavy sweaters, shoes, keys, or heavy pocket contents before
being weighed. Participants should be advised to wear light clothing.
4. Each participant should stand in the middle of the scale’s platform with his/her body weight equally
distributed on both feet, placing hands at sides, and looking straight ahead prior to reading weight.
5. The same scale should be used to measure weights at each session, if possible.
6. Weights should be measured under similar circumstances at each session and in the same way the
initial measurement was taken (e.g., participants wearing similar clothing, measurements taken at the
same time of day).
7. Participants who self-report weight, and who weigh more than once per week, should report the closest
weight to the recorded session date.
8. Online or distance learning organizations are encouraged to use Bluetooth-enabled scales (scales that
transmit weights securely via wireless or cellular transmission) but must ensure that only the
participant’s weight is being transmitted. Organizations are not allowed to use algorithms or other
methods to estimate the appropriate weight. Only one weight should be recorded per session date.
9. Weight should be recorded to the nearest pound (0.5-0.9 rounds up to the nearest pound; 0.1-0.4 rounds
down to the nearest pound).
10. Weights recorded for make-up sessions that take place on the same date as a regular session should
match the weight being recorded for the regular session.
11. Only Lifestyle Coaches or other trained facilitators may officially record/enter weights for evaluation by
CDC.

Recording Physical Activity Minutes
1. Participants should track the number of minutes of physical activity they perform during the week leading
up to the session.
2. During the core maintenance phase when sessions are offered less frequently, minutes should still reflect
the number performed in the week leading up to the session.
3. Minutes reported at make-up sessions should reflect the number of minutes performed during the week
leading up to the session that was missed.
4. Only Lifestyle Coaches or other trained facilitators may officially record/enter physical activity minutes for
evaluation by CDC.

50

Appendix F. Key Terms and Definitions
Approval date = The date CDC approves an organization’s application for participation in the CDC DPRP. An
organization may not begin offering sessions until approval is given and pending recognition is achieved.
Applicant organization = An organization that offers the National DPP LCP and is in the process of applying
for pending recognition from the CDC DPRP.
CDC-recognized organization = An organization that offers the National DPP LCP and has achieved pending,
preliminary or full recognition from the DPRP.
Cohort = A group of participants who enroll and attend the yearlong National DPP LCP together in a class that
starts on the same date and follows the same schedules for regular sessions (not make-up sessions), regardless
of when any one participant of the group attends the class for the first time. If a participant joins the group
cohort late, the Lifestyle Coaches should offer a make-up for session 1 within 14 days of the regularly
scheduled session 1 for the group cohort. We strongly recommend that organizations do not enroll participants
who begin attending the class later than 14 days of the first scheduled session for the group cohort.
Organizations will have the option of defining cohorts or allowing each participant to serve as their own cohort.
Completed cohort = A cohort where 365 days have lapsed since the first class session was held.
Completer = An eligible participant enrolled in an evaluation cohort who attended at least 8 sessions in months
1-6 and whose time from first session held by the cohort to last session attended by the participant is at least 9
months.
Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) = The original research study, led by the National Institutes of Health,
which showed that making modest behavior changes helped participants with prediabetes lose 5% to 7% of their
body weight and reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 58% (71% for people over 60 years old).
DPP Lifestyle Intervention = The intervention used during the 2002 DPP research study or replicated during
further efficacy and implementation studies.
Effective date = The first day of the month following an organization’s approval date.
Evaluation cohorts = Cohorts that began at least 12 months but not more than 18 months (sequence) before the
submission due date. Completers enrolled in an evaluation cohort are evaluated together.
Full recognition = The highest level of CDC recognition where all DPRP requirements are met (allows
organizations to become MDPP suppliers and to begin billing Medicare). Organizations achieve full recognition
when they meet the following criteria:
1. The requirements for pending recognition.
2. The requirement for preliminary recognition.
3. Requirements 6 (at least one is met) and 7 as detailed in Table 3.
National Diabetes Prevention Program (National DPP) = A partnership of public and private organizations
working collectively to establish, scale, and sustain an evidence-based National DPP Lifestyle Change Program
for adults with prediabetes to prevent or delay onset of type 2 diabetes.
Pending Recognition = The CDC recognition status granted to all applicant organizations once an initial
application is approved.

51
Preliminary Recognition = An intermediate level of CDC recognition ( allows organizations to become MDPP
suppliers and to begin billing Medicare). Organizations achieve preliminary recognition when they meet the
following criteria:
1. The requirements for pending recognition.
2. Requirement 5 as detailed in Table 3.
Sequence = The 6-month data collection period that starts with the first day of the data submission month and
ends with the last day before the next data submission month. Organizations making their first submissions will
include records for sessions held since their approval dates.
CDC Diabetes Prevention Recognition Program (DPRP) = The quality assurance arm of the National DPP
charged with evaluating organizations’ performance in effectively delivering the National DPP LCP with
quality and fidelity to the original science. Organizations can earn CDC recognition by following a CDCapproved curriculum and achieving outcomes proven to prevent type 2 diabetes in participants at high risk.
National DPP Lifestyle Change Program (National DPP LCP) = The translated adaptation of the DPP
lifestyle intervention which:
• is a yearlong structured program (in-person, online, combination, or other as defined in the DPRP Standards
and Operating Procedures) consisting of:
– an initial 6-month phase offering at least 16 sessions over 16–26 weeks and
– a second 6-month phase offering at least one session a month (at least 6 sessions).
• is facilitated by a trained Lifestyle Coach.
• uses a CDC-approved curriculum.
• includes regular opportunities for direct interaction between the Lifestyle Coach and participants.
• focuses on behavior modification, managing stress, and social support.