Rural Alliance for Diabetes Prevention

The purpose of this randomized controlled trial is to compare the effectiveness of Cooperative Extension implementing two delivery methods (group video vs. self-directed) and participant recruitment strategies of the National Diabetes Prevention Program (NDPP) to adults in rural communities. Exploratory assessments of implementation facilitators and barriers will be completed to determine strategies that may impact intervention effectiveness and that may support or impede the implementation, dissemination, and effectiveness of Cooperative Extension to deliver the NDPP to prediabetic adults in rural areas.

This 12 mo. Type II hybrid effectiveness-implementation trial will compare effectiveness (weight loss, physical activity, HbA1c) of Cooperative Extension delivering the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) by group video using Zoom® (GV) vs. a self-directed (SD) control. Active vs. passive participant recruitment strategies will be compared on recruitment outcomes including time to full enrollment, participant yield, and retention rates. Ten Cooperative Extension local units/districts serving rural Kansas counties will be allocated to either active or passive recruitment. Each of the sites will recruit adults with prediabetes living in the county served by Kansas State Research and Extension site and will be randomized to one of the 2 intervention arms. A centralized team of Cooperative Extension Agents who complete NDPP lifestyle coach training will serve as interventionists for both the GV and SD arms. Primary (weight) and secondary outcomes (HbA1c, the proportion of participants meeting weight loss (≥ 5%) and physical activity goals (≥150 min./wk.) will be assessed at baseline, 6 and 12 mos. Findings will inform best practices in the delivery of the DPP through Cooperative Extension in rural communities that could reach this high risk population.