What does DPPT mean in LABORATORY

The Diabetes Prevention Program Trial (DPPT) was a landmark clinical trial sponsored by the United States National Institutes of Health in order to determine whether lifestyle interventions or the use of the medication metformin could prevent or delay type 2 diabetes in people at high risk for the disease.

The DPPT randomly assigned more than 3,000 participants into three groups. One group received lifestyle intervention with intensive nutrition and physical activity counseling, another group received a daily dose of metformin and the third group received placebo. Those in both intervention groups lost an average of 5-7% of their body weight whereas the placebo group gained an average 0.9% weight. This significant difference led to substantial reduction in risk for progression to type 2 diabetes among participants in both intervention groups.

In order to qualify for DPPT, you must be at least 25 years old and have pre-diabetes (aka impaired fasting glucose or impaired glucose tolerance) as determined by blood test results. Additionally, you must not have had a diagnosis of any other form of diabetes such as gestational diabetes or prediabetes.

No, participation is free and there are no associated costs beyond standard lab tests necessary for eligibility requirements which may be covered by most insurance plans or other external sources such as Medicare/Medicaid depending on your specific situation.

The DPPT typically lasts 12 months but may extend up to 18 months depending on individual progress and study findings.

During the trial, lifestyle modifications involve increased physical activity (such as walking, jogging or cycling), weight management through changes in diet (including portion size control and caloric reduction), healthy food choices and behavioral modification strategies including stress management techniques.