Diabetes Education & Prevention

Learn how to manage diabetes or reduce your risk of developing the condition with help from Virginia Hospital Center.

Prevent Diabetes

When you achieve the goals of our yearlong Diabetes Prevention Program, you may cut your risk of developing type 2 diabetes in half. These goals include:

• Lose 5 to 7 percent of your weight
• Take part in 150 minutes or more of physical activity each week

You can trust the quality of our evidence-based program because it’s part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Diabetes Prevention Program.

Do I Qualify?

You’re eligible for the Diabetes Prevention Program if you meet all these criteria:

• At least 18 years old
• Body mass index (BMI) of 25 or above (23 or above if you’re Asian American)
• A blood test in the past year showed prediabetes or you were ever diagnosed with gestational diabetes

Talk to your doctor or take an online prediabetes screening if you’re not sure whether you qualify.

What to Expect

For the first four months of the Diabetes Prevention Program, you’ll attend weekly classes with a certified lifestyle coach to learn how to:

• Achieve a healthy weight
• Build physical activity into your daily routine
• Eat healthfully at home and away from home
• Manage stress
• Stay motivated

Then, you’ll attend classes twice per month for five months. For the final three months, you’ll meet monthly.

As a program participant, you’ll receive discounts on Virginia Hospital Center fitness classes and health assessments.

Cost & Insurance Coverage

Check with your health insurance provider to see if your plan covers the cost of the yearlong program. If you have Medicare, the DPP is a covered benefit and you can attend the program for no charge. Call us at 703-558-5718 before enrolling in the program. You may also ask us about financial assistance options.

Refund & Cancellation Policy

We will not refund the program fee unless you can give us proof of a job transfer, serious illness or other extenuating circumstance. If your program is cancelled, you’ll receive the option to transfer to another class.

Manage Diabetes

No matter when you received a diabetes diagnosis, you can take control of your health and get education tailored to your condition with Virginia Hospital Center’s Diabetes Self-Management Program.

You’ll need a referral from your doctor to participate in this program.

Participant Self Assessment

Type 1 Diabetes

Learn about insulin adjustment, meal planning, carbohydrate counting and other topics.

Type 2 Diabetes

Individual appointments and/or group classes covering subjects such as healthy eating, weight loss, avoiding complications, and blood glucose monitoring.

Gestational Diabetes

Individual appointments to help ensure a healthy pregnancy through balanced nutrition and controlling blood glucose levels.

Nutrition Counseling

In addition to diabetes classes, nutrition counseling at Virginia Hospital Center can help you enjoy a healthier lifestyle.