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Diabetes is an epidemic in Texas, according to the American Diabetes Association, which reported more than 200,000 Texans are diagnosed with the disease each year.

Researchers from the University of Houston studied 23 programs across the country helping people successfully change their eating and exercise habits to help manage their prediabetes.

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Sheida Motlagh, a doctoral student at the university and the study's co-author, said the programs offer a variety of options.

"People attended exercise sessions or health education classes, some were digital, using mobile apps, websites or other wearable devices or text messages," Motlagh outlined. "Some programs focused on changing the environment, providing a standing desk or offering financial incentives."

The study found programs offering a combination of options were the most successful in helping participants change their habits. Successful programs also set goals, provided clear instructions and social support, and gave personalized feedback.

One of the programs studied was in Texas but participants in all the studies were predominantly white and non-Hispanic. Since Texas has a large Hispanic population, researchers living in the state want to see more diabetes studies within those communities.

Tracey LeDoux, associate professor of health and human performance at the university, said although most of the study participants don't mirror the Texas population, the information can still be used to create new programs in the Lone Star State.

"In as little as one month, you can successfully change diet and physical activity behaviors," LeDoux explained. "Then in some interventions, as long as 12 months, you’re able to make those behavior changes."

Over the past 20 years, the number of adults living with diabetes in the United States has doubled.