With support from the American Heart Association, Dr. Monica Dinu of the University of Florence joined IHDSC affiliate, Dr. Jeannette Beasley, Associate Professor in the Departments of Nutrition and Food Studies and Medicine at NYU Steinhardt, for a visiting professorship this spring that focused on the global implementation and effectiveness of the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP).
The visit culminated in a June 3, 2026 Learning Exchange at NYU's IHDSC offices that brought together researchers, students, and DPP lifestyle coaches to share lessons from delivering and adapting the program across diverse populations and settings. Discussions addressed global evidence, virtual delivery, experiences from CDC-recognized program lifestyle coaches, adaptations for communities in the United Arab Emirates and elsewhere, and the integration of Mediterranean diet principles, with particular attention to implementation and health equity.
The Learning Exchange has strengthened collaboration between NYU and the University of Florence and generated ongoing work on evidence synthesis, scientific presentations, and future grant proposals to expand the reach and impact of diabetes prevention worldwide.
To learn more about this Learning Exchange, check out this short video summarizing the sessions, topics, and discussion addressed that day.
