Wellness - Diabetes Prevention
Did you know that 1 in 3 adult Americans is at high risk for diabetes? That’s 79 million people! Those with prediabetes are likely to develop type 2 diabetes within 10 years, unless they take steps to prevent or delay diabetes.
The YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program is part of the CDC-led National Diabetes Prevention Program. This program has shown that with lifestyle changes, such as eating healthier, increasing physical activity and losing a modest amount of weight, a person with pre-diabetic symptoms can prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes.
What is prediabetes?
Prediabetes is a condition in which individuals have blood glucose levels that are higher than normal, but not high enough to be classified as diabetes. People with prediabetes are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke.
How do I know if I have prediabetes or I’m at risk?
Determining whether a person is at high risk for developing diabetes can be accomplished in three ways:
- Doctor diagnosis of prediabetes
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Blood test with one of the following results:
- Fasting plasma glucose between 100 and 125 mg/dL
- Oral Glucose Tolerance Test between 140 and 199 mg/dL
- HbA1c between 5.7 and 6.4 percent
- Random/casual blood glucose between 140 and 199 mg/dL
- A combination of risk factors such as family history, high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, etc.
Visit our FAQ Section for helpful answers about the program, or learn more about your risk factors. For more information about the Diabetes Prevention Program and how you can take control, contact Lisa Peabody at lpeabody@firstcoastymca.org
Is this an exercise class?
No, it is not an exercise class. Instead, the program begins with 16 weekly sessions, followed by monthly maintenance sessions. Each one-hour class is facilitated by a trained Lifestyle Coach that covers nutrition, physical activity and behavior modification to help participants achieve their goals to a healthier lifestyle.
Who qualifies for the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program?
To qualify for the Diabetes Prevention Program, participants must be 18 or older, overweight/obese (having Body Mass Index greater than 25) and at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes, or have been diagnosed with prediabetes.
