A Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) success story

José Alvarez, Aspire Health Plan member, has been married for 44 years, and he and his wife have a big family with five children, 17 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Last year, he was diagnosed with prediabetes during his annual doctor’s appointment.

“I was surprised and scared; I did not want to get diabetes and complicate my life,” he recalls. “My doctor offered to prescribe me medication to lower my blood sugar, but I asked him to wait because I wanted to try on my own by modifying my eating habits.”

A few weeks later, José received a call from Aspire Health letting him know about the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP), an interactive online program facilitated by a certified health coach and focused on helping people make lifestyle changes to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes.

“Class by class, I improved my lifestyle by modifying my diet without eliminating my favorite foods. I focused on portion control and balancing my plate, adding more physical activity, and learned about strategies to help me stay motivated over time,” he says. “So far, I have lost between 21 to 25 pounds. My systolic blood pressure used to be 130 or 135, and now it is between 110 and 113 most of the time.”

At his most recent doctor’s appointment, José received more good news. “My doctor told me he would consider reducing my blood pressure medication if I can maintain my weight and healthy habits. He also told me I am no longer prediabetic,” he says. “My weight, blood pressure, blood sugar, and my overall health have improved greatly. I feel more comfortable, I have more energy, and my family is happy. In fact, my family has also started losing weight and improving their lifestyle after watching me make healthy changes. I am very grateful for this program because it changed my life and the life of my family.”

Hear more from José in his own words by watching the video below.

Here in Monterey County, close to 50% of adults in Monterey County have prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. This is why Aspire Health Plan and the Diabetes Collaborative of Monterey County have teamed up to help you make meaningful changes in your lifestyle that can reduce your risk of diabetes. As an Aspire member, you have no-cost access to an enhanced care team and the Diabetes Prevention Program. Call us today to find the next available class and to enroll in the program (831) 644-7490.

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