Tuesday, March 27, is American Diabetes Association Alert Day® and the YMCA of the Triangle is working to educate the community to take preventive steps to potentially reduce the risk of developing the disease.
1 IN 3 NORTH CAROLINIANS HAVE PREDIABETES
It is estimated that more than 2.5 million North Carolinians may have prediabetes, that's 1 in 3 people. However, only about 630,000 North Carolinians (about 9 percent of the population) report having been diagnosed with prediabetes by a health professional.
This suggests that almost 1.9 million North Carolinians may have prediabetes but are unaware of their condition. Prediabetes is a condition in which a person’s blood glucose is elevated, but not high enough for a diabetes diagnosis. Only 10 percent of those with prediabetes know they have it, but with awareness and simple actions, people with prediabetes may prevent the onset of diabetes.
“The number of new people with prediabetes continues to rise and with that, so does the importance of helping individuals understand what a prediabetes diagnosis means,” said Sherée Vodicka, Executive Director of the NC Alliance of YMCAs. “Type 2 diabetes affects not just the person, but entire families as well. The good news is that it is possible to reverse course with simple lifestyle changes that reduce the risk, and the Y can help."
RISK FACTORS
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.
REDEFINE YOUR HEALTH, TRANSFORM YOUR LIFE
In the YMCA's Diabetes Prevention Program, a trained Lifestyle Coach will introduce topics during 16 one-hour weekly sessions, in a supportive, small group environment. Participants are encouraged as they explore how healthy eating, physical activity and behavior changes can help reduce their risk for diabetes and benefit their overall health. The Diabetes Prevention Program is shown to prevent or delay new cases of type 2 diabetes by 58 percent and as much as 71 percent in adults over the age of 60.
DO I QUALIFY?
To qualify for the YMCA's Diabetes Prevention Program, participants must be at least 18 years old, overweight (BMI>25, Asian Adults BMI>22, and at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes or have been diagnosed with prediabetes. Click here to take the test.
The YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program uses a CDC-approved curriculum and is part of the CDC-led National Diabetes Prevention Program.
LEARN MORE
Email Amy.Ward@ymcatriangle.org or call 919-582-9396 for more information. The YMCA offers financial assistance for this program.
