Diabetes Detection Initiative (DDI) Program Summary
The Diabetes Detection Initiative is an exciting and bold initiative, consistent with the Department of Health and Human Services Steps to a Healthier US, and the President’s Healthier US. It brings together the public sector (Department of Health and Human Services, and State and local health departments) and community, business, sector, voluntary, tribal community, and professional partners to develop, implement and evaluate a program for detection of unrecognized type 2 diabetes. The focus of this initiative is to help people understand their diabetes risk and know the symptoms (which may or may not be present), and assist high risk people in linking with various health care systems in the United States for discussion with health care professionals about the appropriateness of follow-up diagnostic testing.

The initiative was launched by Secretary Thompson in November 2003 during American Diabetes Month in ten sites throughout the United States; including Flint, Michigan; Oakland, California; Wichita, Kansas; Springfield Massachusetts; East Harlem, New York; Choctaw Nation, Oklahoma; Orangeburg County, South Carolina; Seattle, Washington; Fayette West Virginia and Wind River Indian Reservation, Wyoming. The Diabetes Detection Initiative was developed utilizing two components (1) a broad-based community effort to encourage individuals to determine their risk for undiagnosed diabetes using a customized paper risk assessment tool (adapted from the American Diabetes Association) and if at high-risk, give them clear messages regarding referral to a health care site for appropriate blood testing, (2) a more intensive effort to identify and diagnose those with undetected diabetes.

Diabetes - You could be at risk: Take The Test - Know Your Score

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