Patient Education Programs (PEP)

The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) Patient Education Programs (PEP) offers a variety of free, evidence-based programs designed to help individuals prevent and manage chronic conditions, improve health, and maintain independence.

For more information, visit www.utmb.edu/diabetes or email cdprograms@utmb.edu.

PreventT2®

What is PreventT2®?

A year-long, CDC-accredited diabetes prevention program that helps participants prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes through healthy lifestyle changes. Participants who improve their eating habits and increase physical activity can lose 5% to 7% of their body weight and reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes by up to 50%.

Who Can Join?

Adults age 18 and older who have prediabetes or are at risk for prediabetes.

Program Schedule

• One-hour sessions weekly or biweekly during the first six months
• Monthly sessions during the remainder of the program year

Available Formats

• In-person
• Live online

Intensive Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (iDSMES)

What is iDSMES?

A year-long program that uses evidence-based educational modules to help individuals with diabetes improve their knowledge, self-management skills, and confidence in managing their condition.

Who Can Join?

Adults age 18 and older with diabetes.

Program Schedule

• One-hour sessions weekly or biweekly during the first six months
• Monthly sessions during the remainder of the program year

Available Formats

• In-person
• Live online

Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP)

What is CDSMP?

A proven program that helps people with chronic conditions learn decision-making skills, symptom management techniques, strategies for managing difficult emotions, and tools for improving daily life.

Who Can Join?

Adults age 55 and older with chronic diseases and their caregivers.

Program Schedule

• One-hour sessions once per week for six weeks

Available Formats

• In-person
• Telephone
• Live online

Diabetes Self-Management Program (DSMP)

What is DSMP?

A proven program that helps people with diabetes develop the skills needed to manage their condition through healthy eating, stress management, and other self-care strategies.

Who Can Join?

Adults age 55 and older with diabetes and their caregivers.

Program Schedule

• One-hour sessions once per week for six weeks

Available Formats

• In-person
• Telephone
• Live online

Toolkit for Active Living with Chronic Conditions or Diabetes

What is the Toolkit?

A self-directed resource kit designed to help individuals manage chronic conditions or diabetes from home.

Who Can Use It?

Adults age 55 and older living with chronic conditions and their caregivers.

• Diabetes
• Hypertension
• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Other chronic health conditions

What to Expect

Participants receive a toolkit by mail and work through the materials independently. Individuals may choose to join a CDSMP or DSMP class at any time.

Geri-Fit®

What is Geri-Fit®?

A strength-training and bodybuilding program specifically designed for older adults. Most exercises are performed while seated and are appropriate for all fitness levels.

Who Can Join?

Adults age 55 and older and their caregivers.

Program Schedule

• 45-minute sessions
• Twice weekly for 12 weeks

Available Formats

• In-person
• Live online

Health Coaches for Hypertension Control (HCHC)

What is HCHC?

A program designed to help people with high blood pressure better manage their condition through nutrition, physical activity, stress management, and other healthy behaviors.

Who Can Join?

Adults age 55 and older with hypertension and their caregivers.

Program Schedule

• 1.5-hour sessions
• Weekly for eight weeks

Available Formats

• In-person
• Live online

Walk With Ease (WWE)

What is Walk With Ease?

A proven program that helps people with arthritis reduce pain, improve balance and strength, and increase confidence in their ability to be physically active through walking, stretching, and strengthening exercises.

Who Can Join?

Adults age 55 and older with arthritis and their caregivers.

Program Options

Group Program

• Meet with a coach and peers
• 45-minute sessions
• Three times per week for six weeks

Self-Guided

• Receive the program book
• Complete activities at your own pace

Enhanced Self-Guided

• Complete activities independently
• Check in weekly with a coach by phone or email for six weeks

Register Today

Learn more about available programs and register online at www.utmb.edu/diabetes.

Funding Support

Patient Education Programs are supported through partnerships with the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), the Administration for Community Living (ACL), and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).