November is National Diabetes Month, a time when communities across the country seek to bring attention to diabetes. Diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) health condition that affects how your body turns food into energy. There are three main types of diabetes: type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes (diabetes while pregnant).
The YMCA offers its Diabetes Prevention Program to help people with prediabetes lose weight, increase their physical activity and eat healthier through this CDC-approved curriculum and a supportive, small group led by trained YMCA staff.
Since 2019, our Y has helped more than 1,000 individuals potentially prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes. Participants have lost, on average, 6.5% of their body weight and increased their activity to an average of 183 minutes weekly.
The Diabetes Prevention programs runs for 12 months and includes 26 sessions -- group-based one-hour, weekly sessions, followed by monthly sessions led by a trained Lifestyle Coach who facilitates a small group of people with similar goals.
Participants explore how healthy eating, physical activity and behavior changes can help reduce the risk for developing diabetes. The monthly maintenance sessions help participants stay motivated to maintain progress toward their goals.
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.
This November, download our self-assessment and answer a few basic questions to see if you qualify for the Diabetes Prevention Program.
