New Program Fights Silent Prediabetes Epidemic in Silicon Valley

MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA – April 09, 2026 – A staggering health crisis is silently unfolding across Silicon Valley. According to recent estimates from the El Camino Healthcare District, nearly half of all adults in Mountain View and its surrounding communities may have prediabetes, a serious condition that significantly increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Compounding the issue, data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that a vast majority—81 percent—of those affected are completely unaware of their condition.

In response to this urgent public health challenge, the El Camino Healthcare District has launched “Outsmart Prediabetes,” a major new initiative designed to pull this hidden epidemic into the light. The program offers a proactive, barrier-free path for residents to get screened and receive professional support before the condition progresses.

“Prediabetes is one of the most urgent yet least recognized health issues facing our community,” said John Zoglin, chair of the El Camino Healthcare District board of directors. “Eight out of 10 people who have it don’t know they do. By helping adults understand their risk early and providing an accessible path to get support, we can help prevent cases of type 2 diabetes before they develop.”

A Proactive Strike Against a Hidden Threat

The “Outsmart Prediabetes” program is built on a foundation of simplicity and speed. Residents can visit the program’s website to take a free, confidential self-screening that takes approximately two minutes to complete. Based on their answers, the tool assesses their risk level for prediabetes. Those who are identified as being “at risk” are immediately offered a direct connection to no-cost, one-on-one virtual sessions with a licensed dietitian.

This focus on nutrition is deliberate and evidence-based. According to the American Diabetes Association and numerous clinical studies, lifestyle modification—particularly dietary changes and modest weight loss—is the gold standard for preventing or delaying the onset of type 2 diabetes. The program’s strategy hinges on empowering individuals with the personalized knowledge to make sustainable changes.

“People are often surprised to learn how much of a difference small, mindful changes can make,” explained Sheri Gaw, RDN, CDCES, a registered dietitian with El Camino Health. “Prediabetes doesn’t have to progress. With the right guidance, most people can turn it around.”

Working with a registered dietitian helps individuals move beyond generic advice to understand how specific foods impact their unique metabolism and blood sugar levels. This tailored guidance is critical for creating lasting habits that fit within a person’s lifestyle, culture, and preferences, dramatically increasing the chances of successfully reversing prediabetes.

Bridging the Gap with Virtual, No-Cost Care

The initiative’s most innovative feature is its seamless integration of technology and a no-cost model to dismantle common barriers to preventative care. While other diabetes prevention programs exist in Santa Clara County, many are group-based or require referrals and co-pays. The “Outsmart Prediabetes” program distinguishes itself by offering an immediate, individual, and entirely virtual pathway from screening to specialized care.

The virtual dietitian support is delivered through a partnership with Season Health, a platform designed for clinical nutrition care. This telehealth approach eliminates the need for travel and time off work, allowing residents to receive expert guidance from the privacy of their own homes.

“Real impact comes from reaching people before they develop a chronic disease,” said Dan Woods, CEO of El Camino Healthcare District and El Camino Health. “This focus on prevention and early intervention, and meeting individuals ‘where they are,’ is an example of responsible, proactive healthcare delivery. By lowering barriers to screening and connecting people to practical, evidence-based nutrition guidance, we’re investing in long-term community health.”

This model directly addresses the accessibility gaps that often prevent at-risk populations from seeking help, representing a significant step forward in how communities can leverage digital health tools for population-level wellness.

A Public Investment in Long-Term Community Health

The “Outsmart Prediabetes” initiative is not a standalone project but a core component of the El Camino Healthcare District’s broader population health strategy. As a publicly elected body established in 1956, the District is tasked with using its resources to maintain and improve the health of the communities it serves. The program is funded through the District’s award-winning Community Benefit program, which is guided by a triennial Community Health Needs Assessment.

The most recent assessment identified “Diabetes & Obesity” as a top health priority for the region. In fiscal year 2025 alone, the District invested over $11 million across 138 grants and sponsorships aimed at addressing such critical needs. This new program represents a direct and strategic deployment of public funds to tackle a well-documented community health issue head-on.

By financing free screenings and professional nutrition counseling, the District is making a calculated investment in prevention. The long-term costs associated with treating type 2 diabetes and its related complications—including cardiovascular disease, kidney failure, and nerve damage—are immense. Preventing the disease from developing in the first place yields not only better health outcomes for individuals but also significant financial savings for the entire healthcare system.

The initiative will be promoted through a multi-faceted outreach campaign targeting local organizations, community events, and ongoing communications across the District’s service area, which includes Mountain View, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, and large portions of Sunnyvale, Cupertino, Santa Clara, and Palo Alto.

Local adults living or working in the service area can determine their risk and access the program’s resources by visiting the official website. To take the free two-minute prediabetes self-screening and connect to no-cost dietitian support, residents are encouraged to visit www.elcaminohealthcaredistrict.org/prediabetes.