A critical 30-year research initiative focused on preventing type 2 diabetes has been abruptly halted due to recent cuts in government funding. In response, the Endocrine Society is calling for the immediate restoration of the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) and its associated DPP Outcomes Study, both of which were supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
The Endocrine Society, the nation’s leading organization for healthcare professionals treating diabetes and other hormone-related health issues, voiced concerns over the impact of halting this vital research. Conducted at 30 institutions across 21 states, the DPP and its outcomes study have provided essential insights into diabetes prevention, affecting millions of people diagnosed with diabetes or at risk for the condition.
Launched in 1996, the DPP demonstrated that lifestyle changes, including a 5%-7% reduction in body weight, along with metformin medication, could significantly delay or prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes. The groundbreaking research showed that such changes lowered the risk of developing the disease by 58% in high-risk individuals.
Additionally, the DPP Outcomes Study, which has followed more than 3,100 participants since 2002, investigates the long-term effects of diabetes prevention on conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and nerve damage. The study’s comprehensive approach continues to explore the broader health implications of early diabetes intervention.
As of 2021, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 38.4 million Americans are living with diabetes, and an additional 97.6 million adults have prediabetes. With chronic diseases such as heart and kidney conditions often linked to diabetes, preventing or delaying its onset not only improves quality of life but also reduces the overall economic burden of healthcare. The CDC reported that the total direct and indirect costs of diabetes care reached $413 billion in 2022.
The Endocrine Society argues that discontinuing the DPP undermines the nation’s commitment to combat chronic health issues and prevent the rising costs of diabetes care. The organization’s appeal emphasizes that continuing the program is vital for advancing public health and improving the quality of life for millions of Americans at risk.
About the Endocrine Society
As the world’s oldest and largest professional organization for endocrinologists, the Endocrine Society plays a central role in advancing hormone-related research and providing expertise in the treatment of diabetes, obesity, and other endocrine disorders. The Society is committed to addressing the most pressing health issues affecting populations globally.
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