El Camino Healthcare District Introduces Free Screening and Nutrition Program to Combat Prediabetes
In response to growing concerns about the widespread and often undiagnosed condition of Prediabetes, the El Camino Healthcare District has launched a comprehensive new initiative aimed at prevention, early detection, and lifestyle intervention. The program, called Outsmart Prediabetes, offers free self-screening and access to professional dietary guidance, helping individuals take proactive steps to reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
According to estimates cited by the District from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly half of all adults in Mountain View and nearby communities may be living with prediabetes. Even more concerning is that approximately 81 percent of those affected are unaware they have the condition. This lack of awareness makes prediabetes one of the most underrecognized yet urgent public health challenges in the region.
Recognizing the need for early intervention, El Camino Healthcare District has made prediabetes a key focus of its broader population health strategy. The initiative reflects a shift toward preventive care—addressing health risks before they progress into chronic diseases that require long-term treatment and management.
“Prediabetes is one of the most urgent yet least recognized health issues facing our community,” said John Zoglin, chair of the District’s board of directors. “Eight out of ten people who have it don’t even know they do. Our goal is to change that by making it easier for individuals to understand their risk and take action early. With the right support, many cases of type 2 diabetes can be prevented entirely.”
The Outsmart Prediabetes program is designed to be simple, accessible, and user-friendly. Adults can begin by visiting the program’s website and completing a quick, two-minute self-assessment. This screening tool evaluates key risk factors such as age, weight, family history, and physical activity levels. Based on the results, participants are immediately informed whether they may be at risk for prediabetes.
For those identified as “at risk,” the program provides a seamless pathway to care. Participants are connected to no-cost nutrition support services, including one-on-one virtual sessions with licensed dietitians. These sessions are delivered in partnership with Season Health, a platform that specializes in personalized nutrition counseling.
The emphasis on accessibility is a central feature of the initiative. By removing common barriers—such as cost, time constraints, and complicated healthcare navigation—the program aims to encourage more people to take advantage of early screening and intervention services. From initial assessment to scheduling a dietitian appointment, the entire process is streamlined to ensure convenience and ease of use.
Dan Woods, CEO of El Camino Healthcare District and El Camino Health, highlighted the importance of this preventive approach. “Real impact in healthcare comes from reaching people before they develop chronic conditions,” Woods said. “This program exemplifies responsible, proactive healthcare delivery. By lowering barriers to screening and connecting individuals with practical, evidence-based nutrition guidance, we are investing in the long-term health of our community.”
Nutrition plays a critical role in the management and reversal of prediabetes. Research shows that dietary changes are among the most effective strategies for improving blood sugar levels and reducing the risk of progression to type 2 diabetes. Through the program, participants receive tailored advice from registered dietitians who help them understand how specific foods affect their metabolism and blood glucose levels.
These personalized sessions go beyond general dietary recommendations. Dietitians work closely with individuals to develop sustainable, realistic plans that fit their lifestyles, cultural preferences, and daily routines. The goal is not just short-term improvement but long-term behavior change that supports overall health and well-being.
Sheri Gaw, a registered dietitian and certified diabetes care and education specialist with El Camino Health, emphasized the transformative potential of small lifestyle adjustments. “People are often surprised at how much of a difference simple, mindful changes can make,” she said. “Prediabetes doesn’t have to progress. With the right guidance and support, many individuals can reverse the condition and significantly improve their health.”
The Outsmart Prediabetes initiative also includes a robust community outreach component. The District plans to collaborate with local organizations, host educational events, and distribute information across its service areas. These efforts aim to raise awareness, encourage participation, and foster a culture of preventive health.
The program will serve residents in Mountain View, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, and parts of Sunnyvale, Cupertino, Santa Clara, and Palo Alto. By targeting a broad and diverse population, the District hopes to make a meaningful impact on community-wide health outcomes.
In addition to individual benefits, the initiative is expected to reduce the overall burden on the healthcare system. Preventing or delaying the onset of type 2 diabetes can significantly lower healthcare costs associated with managing complications such as heart disease, kidney failure, and nerve damage. Early intervention not only improves quality of life for individuals but also contributes to more sustainable healthcare delivery.
The launch of Outsmart Prediabetes reflects a growing recognition within the healthcare industry that prevention is key to addressing chronic disease. By empowering individuals with knowledge, tools, and support, programs like this can help shift the focus from treatment to wellness.
For those interested in taking the first step, the process is quick and straightforward. The free two-minute self-screening is available online, providing immediate insights into personal risk levels. Participants who qualify can then access professional dietary support at no cost, making it easier than ever to take control of their health.
As awareness continues to grow, El Camino Healthcare District hopes that more individuals will recognize the importance of early detection and lifestyle changes. Through education, accessibility, and community engagement, the Outsmart Prediabetes program aims to create lasting improvements in public health and prevent the progression of a condition that often goes unnoticed until it becomes more serious.
To learn more or take the free screening, individuals can visit the program’s official website and begin their journey toward better health.
About the El Camino Healthcare District
The El Camino Hospital District was established by voter approval in 1956 in accordance with California Local Hospital District Law. The purpose of the district is to establish, maintain and operate or provide assistance in the operation of health facilities and other health care services, provider groups and organizations that are necessary for the maintenance of good physical and mental health in the communities served by the district. The district, now known as El Camino Healthcare District, encompasses most of Mountain View, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, a large portion of Sunnyvale, and small sections of Cupertino, Santa Clara, and Palo Alto. The publicly elected El Camino Healthcare District Board of Directors approves tax dollar expenditures, including expenditures for the award-winning Community Benefit program. Community Benefit funds are granted each year to local nonprofits, schools and government programs that provide critical health services to the underserved. All district board meetings are publicly noticed, open to the public, and available
