Diabetes Prevention: Interventions Engaging Community Health Workers

The Community Preventive Services Task Force recommends interventions that engage community health workers — frontline public health workers who connect underserved communities to health care systems — to help improve blood sugar control and weight-related outcomes for people at risk for type 2 diabetes. These interventions aim to reduce 1 or more risk factors for type 2 diabetes by improving diet, physical activity, and weight management. Programs may include education about diabetes prevention and lifestyle changes or informal counseling, coaching, and extended support. Interventions are delivered to community groups or individuals, and community health workers may work alone or as part of an intervention team.