Diabetes Prevention Program

All employees of the City and County of San Francisco, the San Francisco Unified School District, City College of San Francisco or the Superior Court of San Francisco, Retiree, and spouses/domestic partners who currently receive benefits through SFHSS are eligible to participate in the sponsored program.

Take the CDC Risk Test to learn your risk for Diabetes.  Scoring a 5 or higher on the online screener is an indicator of higher risk.  Be sure to speak with your physician for more information about the screener questions.

This program is for individuals that have not been diagnosed with diabetes and aims to provide assistance in preventing the onset of type 2 diabetes.

Zoom is an online meeting platform that uses video conference call features to bring people together.  You can join a Zoom meeting by downloading the app to your mobile device, tablet, or desktop.  For more information about Zoom please visit zoom.us. 

We're here to make it easy for you to participate!  Once you have qualified for the program, new users to Zoom can request an orientation to help with downloading the app and navigating the features.  

The San Francisco Health Service System (SFHSS) and the YMCA of San Francisco have partnered to offer the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) at your workplace. This year-long online program is based on a successful diabetes prevention program developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The YMCA's Diabetes Prevention Program is part of the National Diabetes Prevention Program (NDPP). It is an evidence-based lifestyle change program for preventing type 2 diabetes. The program is based on research by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) which demonstrated that at-risk adults reduced their risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 58% overall, and 71% in adults over age 60. This was more effective than medication alone.

As a result of the Diabetes Prevention Program's success, there have been a number of efforts to bring these programs to more individuals at risk for type 2 diabetes. Over 625 organizations, including federal agencies, employer, community-based organizations and health insurers offer the Diabetes Prevention Program nationally.

• All employees from CCSF, USD, CCD, and CRT
• Retirees and their spouses/partners of retirees insured through the SFHSS-sponsored health plans from the following employers: CCSF, USD, CCD, and CRT.

All participants must meet program requirements. 

Over the course of 12 months, participants attend 26 one-hour virtual sessions (19 sessions in the first six months and 7 sessions in the second six months) and, in a small group of 8-16 people, learn strategies for healthy eating, increasing physical activity and managing stress to reduce body weight and lower diabetes risk. The group is led by a Lifestyle Coach trained on a CDC-approved curriculum and together participants work toward common goals.

You’ll be able to complete the program during the work day, using personal time – on work breaks (including meal breaks) before or after work, and at your leisure (vacation or floating holidays).  Using PTO (paid time off during the work day) will require Supervisor approval.  Ask the YMCA Lifestyle Coach for support with initiating this conversation.

As a participant in the program you are working toward the goal of completing 150 minutes (about 2.5 hours) of physical activity each week. That said, you will not be physically active during the 26 one-hour sessions; all physical activity is completed outside of class at a time that works with your schedule and abilities.

The City is committed to providing programs that can positively impact the overall well-being of our employees. The San Francisco Health Service System focuses on this commitment by helping members to feel, live, and be Better Every Day.

Due to the physical distancing guidelines during COVID-19, this program is offered virtually to help eliminate barriers preventing individuals from accessing important and valuable resources such as the Diabetes Prevention Program. We want to make it easy and convenient for participants to make healthy choices, while staying safe. Participating in this program can help individuals make lifestyle changes to lose weight, improve health, and reduce your risk for type 2 diabetes. These benefits can have long lasting benefits on an employee’s overall well-being and we are committed to supporting these programs at the workplace.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 1 in 3 American adults is at risk for type 2 diabetes.  Of those that have it, 90% don't know it. 

The good news is that studies have shown that many people can prevent type 2 diabetes by making small changes to their health. Losing just 5 to 7% of your body weight may actually reduce your risk by more than half. Find out if you are at risk for diabetes and take action to keep yourself healthy. Learn your risk by taking the health screening questionnaire.

• SFHSS piloted this program with City employees in 2015-2017. Participants lost more weight than in the online program and kept it off through the end of the year.
• Participation is voluntary and FREE. Similar programs can cost over $500.
• Your health information will be kept confidential. No individual information will be shared with your manager, department or CCSF.

During the year-long program, you will attend 26 one-hour sessions over 12 months, and meet in a small group supported by a trained Lifestyle Coach. The Lifestyle Coach will help you reach your goals. You’ll learn about weight management, healthier eating habits, increasing physical activity, and coping well with difficult situations – all key elements in reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes.

Participation in the Diabetes Prevention Program is voluntary and your health information will be kept confidential. No information that identifies you personally will be shared with your employer, your direct supervisor or manager, or your health insurance company. Your participation in the program will not affect your employment or health insurance. If you decide to participate, you are free to change your mind and discontinue participation at any time without any effect on your employment or health insurance.

If you have questions, please contact Rachelle Price, Director of Health Initiatives at the YMCA of San Francisco, (415) 767-2035 or rprice@ymcasf.org.