Oct. 29, 2017 – West Bend, WI – November is National Diabetes Awareness Month, providing the opportunity for people to gauge their risk for prediabetes and diabetes and to talk to their doctors. Of the 84 million people with prediabetes, only 10 percent know they have the condition. In addition to the high risk of developing type 2 diabetes, people with prediabetes are also at risk of developing other chronic diseases such as heart disease and stroke.
Prediabetes is a condition in which a person’s blood glucose is elevated, but not high enough for a diabetes diagnosis. To address this issue, the Kettle Moraine YMCA offers the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program, which helps adults lose weight through healthier eating and increased physical activity, potentially preventing or delaying the onset of type 2 diabetes. The YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program is a group-based lifestyle intervention for adults at high-risk of developing type 2 diabetes, and has been shown to reduce the number of new cases of diabetes by 58 percent overall and by 71 percent in adults over 60.
“I want to thank the YMCA for the Diabetes Prevention Program. First, I wanted to thank Diabetes Prevention Life Style Coach, Laura Salcido, who motivated and encouraged me not to give up. It was not easy but I did it. It was a year of ups and downs with challenges to achieve. But without the support of Laura, and the group, I would not have achieved our goal. Secondly, thanks to the YMCA for bringing this program to the attention of Hispanics. In the beginning of the program, I just wanted to live a healthier life and have more energy. I learned about the right portions and the benefits of eating more fruits and vegetables. I managed to lose up to 40 pounds and I feel much better and have more energy. I will continue to take care of myself and try to help anyone who wants to learn more about this program.” Mariana Hernandez, Diabetes Prevention Program Graduate
Individuals can assess their risk for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes by taking a simple test at YMCA.net/diabetes. Through this assessment, visitors can also learn how lifestyle choices and family history help determine the ultimate risk for developing the disease. Several factors that could put a person at risk for type 2 diabetes include race, age, weight and activity level. If a person is at risk, a diabetes screening conducted by a physician can confirm a diabetes or prediabetes diagnosis.
The YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program, part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) led National Diabetes Prevention Program, is a 12-month evidence-based program that features a lifestyle coach who helps participants learn tactics for healthy eating, physical activity and other lifestyle changes during 25, one-hour classroom sessions. Long-term program goals include reducing participants’ body weight by 5 to 7 percent and increasing physical activity to 150 minutes per week.
Nationally, more than 55,000 people participated in the program at more than 1,100 sites in 47 states throughout the country. Participants who completed the yearlong program lost an average of 5.5 percent of body weight and completed an average of 160 minutes of physical activity per week.
For more information about how to qualify for access to the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program contact Mary Beth Emmer, Diabetes Prevention Coordinator, 262.247.2007, memmer@kmymca.org or visit: kmymca.org
About the Y
The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Across the U.S., 2,700 Ys engage 22 million men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Anchored in more than 10,000 communities, the Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change. ymca.net
