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About NDEP

Established in 1997, the National Diabetes Education Program is a federally-funded program sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and includes over 200 partners at the federal, state and local levels, working together to improve the treatment and outcomes for people with diabetes, promote early diagnosis, and prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes.

Evidence from the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial showed conclusively that improved control of blood glucose levels can make a big difference in reducing complications associated with diabetes. NDEP was initially created in 1997 to translate the findings of this major study into current health care practice. Beginning in 2001, in response to the findings of the United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study, NDEP outreach evolved to address the ABCs of diabetes: comprehensive control of blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol. Research results from major studies continue to drive NDEP action. Results of the Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications (EDIC) study, which continues to monitor DCCT patients over time, and the results of the 10-year follow up study of the UKPDS have spurred messages to identify and manage both type 1 and type 2 diabetes early to reduce complications of the eye, kidney, nerves, heart, and blood vessels.

The results of the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) clinical trial, announced in August 2001, showed that among people with prediabetes, type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed through modest weight loss and regular physical activity. Beginning in 2002, NDEP released messages and materials to translate the science of diabetes prevention into clinical practice and to raise awareness among high risk individuals. Results from Diabetes Prevention Program Outcomes Study (DPPOS), the 10 year follow-up study to the DPP, reinforced the earlier findings that type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed.

Together, NDEP and its partners promote the messages and materials of two national, multicultural public health campaigns, one targeting people with diabetes and the other targeting people at risk of type 2 diabetes. Both campaigns also have material specifically for health care professionals.

National Diabetes Education Program Overview

An overview of NDEP’s purpose, objectives, goals and partnerships.

NDEP Strategic Directions for 2011, 2012 and 2013

This document provides information about how the NDEP and its partners will implement strategies on future directions and priority activities (2011-2013). Check out NDEP’s 2013 Action Plan to learn about NDEP’s goals, key initiatives & activities for this year.

National Diabetes Education Program Partnership Structure

Partners are key to NDEP's success. This document explains the NDEP partnership structure and the groups, committees, and stakeholders that make up the NDEP Partnership Network.

Control Your Diabetes. For Life. Campaign

Increasing awareness about the importance and benefits of diabetes control is the key objective of the “Control Your Diabetes. For Life.” campaign. The campaign includes tailored materials (copyright-free) and messages for the general audience and high-risk populations. Campaign components, focused on controlling blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol, include patient education materials, sample articles, and PSAs for radio, print and television.

Small Steps. Big Rewards. Prevent type 2 Diabetes. Campaign

Diabetes is a serious disease, affecting millions of Americans and growing at epidemic rates, with one million new cases each year. But, there is good news: Diabetes can be prevented or delayed. The “Small Steps. Big Rewards. Prevent type 2 Diabetes.” campaign spreads this important message of hope to the millions of Americans with prediabetes. To reach those groups at high risk for diabetes—those whose family background is African American, Hispanic/Latino, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian American or Pacific Islander—the NDEP has created tailored materials (copyright-free) and messages for each high risk audience. Campaign components include education materials, sample articles, and PSAs for radio, print, and television.

One Call, One Click NDEP Promotion

This promotion positions NDEP as “your source for free diabetes information,” and it provides easy-to-recall phone and website information for English and Spanish speakers. Print PSAs, radio PSAs, and online banners also are provided here.