How the Prevent T2 Program Works for Prediabetes in Rhode Island

Written By Wendy Leonard
Laptop for a virtual group class beside a balanced meal, walking shoes, and a year-long planner

If your doctor recently told you that you have prediabetes, or that you're at risk for type 2 diabetes, you may be wondering what to do next. At Rhode Island Nutrition Therapy (RINT), one option is Prevent T2, a year-long group lifestyle program for adults with prediabetes or at risk for type 2 diabetes. Prevent T2 is part of the CDC-led National Diabetes Prevention Program. Our groups meet online, so you can join from home anywhere in Rhode Island. Here's how the program works, who it's for, and how to get started.

What Is Prediabetes?

With prediabetes, blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough for a type 2 diabetes diagnosis. According to the CDC, you can have prediabetes for years without clear symptoms, and it raises the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.

Am I at risk?

You may be at higher risk for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes if you:

  • Are 45 years of age or older

  • Are overweight

  • Have a family history of type 2 diabetes

  • Are physically active fewer than three times per week

  • Ever had diabetes while pregnant (gestational diabetes) or gave birth to a baby who weighed more than 9 pounds

If you think you may be at risk, your health care provider can do a simple blood test to check for prediabetes or diabetes. You can also take the CDC's free Prediabetes Risk Test and bring your results to your next appointment.

What Is Prevent T2?

Prevent T2 is part of the National Diabetes Prevention Program, led by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It's a structured lifestyle change program, not a diet. In our Prevent T2 groups, you'll work with other participants, a registered dietitian, and a trained lifestyle coach to build skills for lasting change.

The program focuses on three main areas:

  • Losing a modest amount of weight

  • Being more physically active

  • Managing stress

The CDC notes that, for people with prediabetes, losing a small amount of weight (if you have overweight) and getting regular physical activity can lower your risk for type 2 diabetes. Prevent T2 gives you a plan, a coach, and a group to help you work on those changes. Everyone's experience is different, and your care team can help you set goals that fit your health and your life.

How the Program Works

A year-long schedule

Prevent T2 groups meet for a year:

  • First 6 months: weekly sessions

  • Second 6 months: once or twice a month, to help you keep up the healthy changes you've made

During each session, your lifestyle coach teaches a lesson and leads a group discussion.

What you'll learn

Sessions cover practical, everyday skills, such as how to:

  • Eat healthy

  • Add physical activity to your life

  • Manage stress

  • Stay on track when eating out

  • Understand and respond to your food cues

  • Stay motivated

  • Solve problems that can get in the way of healthy changes

The role of your lifestyle coach

Prevent T2 lifestyle coaches have the experience and training to help you reach your goals. Your coach will help you:

  • Learn the facts about healthy eating and physical activity, and how these habits can help reduce your risk for type 2 diabetes

  • Set and meet your goals

  • Build relationships with other participants

  • Work as a group to meet challenges

Why a group?

Being in a group gives you support from people who are facing similar challenges and working on the same changes you are. Together, you can celebrate successes and find ways to get past obstacles.

Virtual Groups Across Rhode Island

RINT currently offers Prevent T2 as online group classes only, so you can take part from your own home. That makes it a practical option whether you live in North Kingstown, Warwick, Providence, Westerly, or anywhere else in Rhode Island, with no drive or parking to plan around.

Next Prevent T2 dates

Can't make these dates? Call us at (401) 398-2454 or email lori@rinutritiontherapy.com to ask about future groups.

Who Is Prevent T2 For?

Prevent T2 is designed for adults with prediabetes or at risk for type 2 diabetes. If you already have type 2 diabetes, email us at info@rinutritiontherapy.com to see how we may still be able to help you. For other questions about whether the program is a good fit for you, please contact us.

Prefer One-on-One Care? A Prediabetes Dietitian in North Kingstown

Some people like the structure of a group. Others want personalized guidance, or both. Our licensed registered dietitians provide Medical Nutrition Therapy for diabetes and prediabetes through individual appointments, and many patients combine group programs with one-on-one care.

Our main office is at 1130 Ten Rod Rd, Suite B203, North Kingstown, RI 02852, open Monday–Friday, 8am–7pm. We also see patients in Warwick and see children and teens in Cumberland (each office is open two days a week), and we offer virtual visits across Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Our local guide to seeing a dietitian in North Kingstown, Warwick, or Cumberland covers each office in detail.

Cost and Insurance

Our Prevent T2 page notes that the program is covered by most health insurance plans. Coverage varies by plan, so please call us at (401) 398-2454 with questions about cost or your coverage before you enroll. You can also find general insurance information on our FAQs page.

How to Get Started

A prediabetes diagnosis can feel like a lot to take in. You don't have to figure it out alone. We'd be glad to help you take the next step.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Prevent T2?

Prevent T2 is a year-long group lifestyle change program for adults with prediabetes or at risk for type 2 diabetes. It is part of the CDC-led National Diabetes Prevention Program. At Rhode Island Nutrition Therapy, you work with a group, a registered dietitian, and a trained lifestyle coach on healthy eating, physical activity, and managing stress.

How long is the Prevent T2 program, and how often do groups meet?

Prevent T2 groups meet for a year: weekly for the first 6 months, then once or twice a month for the second 6 months. Our next cohort begins Tuesday, October 27, 2026, and meets Tuesdays at 7:00 PM.

Is Prevent T2 in person or online?

Rhode Island Nutrition Therapy currently offers Prevent T2 as online group classes only, so you can join from home.

Can I join Prevent T2 if I already have type 2 diabetes?

Prevent T2 is designed for adults with prediabetes or at risk for type 2 diabetes. If you already have type 2 diabetes, email info@rinutritiontherapy.com to see how we may still be able to help you.

How do I sign up for Prevent T2?

Start with our virtual info session on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at 7:00 PM, or register for the October cohort through the Rhode Island Nutrition Therapy calendar. You can also call (401) 398-2454 or email lori@rinutritiontherapy.com. Healthcare providers can refer patients at rinutritiontherapy.com/provider-nutrition-referrals.

This article is for general education only and is not medical advice. Please talk with your healthcare provider about your individual needs.

Wendy Leonard

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist

https://www.rinutritiontherapy.com
Next

Seeing a Dietitian in North Kingstown, Warwick, or Cumberland, RI: A Local Guide