Approaches for sustaining diabetes prevention program practices post-graduation: A scoping review

Diabetes Prevention Programs (DPP), year-long group-based lifestyle interventions, can reduce the incidence of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) by 58 % and improve cardiometabolic risk factors. However, the sustainability of these benefits and the effectiveness of booster interventions for DPP graduates remain unclear. This scoping review examined the availability, structure, and effectiveness of booster programs for DPP graduates.

PubMed, CINAHL, and Cochrane Clinical Trials were searched for intervention studies published before January 23, 2025. Due to the small number of studies and reporting heterogeneity, findings were synthesized narratively.

Of 1613 articles screened, nine publications representing four unique studies were included. Booster interventions significantly reduced long-term T2DM incidence. Effect on blood glucose and hemoglobin A1c were inconsistent, but significant improvements were reported in key anthropometric measures, including body mass index, weight, weight change, and waist circumference. Longer intervention duration was commonly associated with greater effectiveness, though program structure and intensity likely contributed to inconsistencies in review findings.

Booster programs for DPP graduates may reduce long-term T2DM risk and improve cardiometabolic outcomes. This review highlights strategies to sustain DPP benefits and can inform the design of cost-effective, scalable interventions to address the growing global prediabetes burden.