YMCA of Delaware offers Diabetes Prevention Program
American Diabetes Association Alert Day was March 27, and the YMCA of Delaware wants residents of Delaware to know their risk for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes, as well as preventive steps they can take to reduce the chances of developing the disease.
In the United States alone, diabetes affects over 30 million people; another 84 million Americans have prediabetes, yet only about 10 percent are aware of it. These statistics are alarming, and the impact on the cost of healthcare makes preventing the number of new cases of type 2 diabetes more important than ever before. In 2012 alone, the ADA estimates that diabetes cost the healthcare system $245 billion.
The nation's struggle with obesity and type 2 diabetes is no surprise, but the number of people with prediabetes is a growing issue, especially when so few people realize they have the condition. 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 can reduce their risk for developing type 2 diabetes by adopting behavior changes that include eating healthier and increasing physical activity. People with prediabetes are at risk for not only developing type 2 diabetes, but also cardiovascular disease, stroke and other conditions.
As the leading community-based network committed to improving the nation's health, the YMCA of Delaware encourages all adults to take a diabetes risk test at www.ymca.net/diabetes. Factors that could put a person at risk for type 2 diabetes include family history, age, weight, and activity level, among others.
"ADA Alert Day can serve as a wake-up call for people to learn their risk for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes – conditions that are preventable if they take steps to improve their health," said Kat Luebke, health integration coordinator, YMCA of Delaware. "Many people don't realize they are at risk, and finding out is not only good for your health, but good for your wallet too."
The YMCA of Delaware is helping people potentially reduce the risk of developing prediabetes or type 2 diabetes by providing the YMCA's Diabetes Prevention Program. The yearlong program focuses on achieving modest weight loss, healthy eating and physical activity. Participants learn skills and create new habits, making small changes that have a lasting impact. People come together as a group, led by a trained lifestyle coach, for encouragement, accountability and support.
The YMCA's Diabetes Prevention Program is a CDC-recognized diabetes prevention lifestyle change program. The program is evidence based, and studies show it can prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes by significant percentages.
The cost of the program may be covered by some health plans. To verify eligibility, people should contact their health insurance providers.
To learn more about the YMCA of Delaware and the YMCA's Diabetes Prevention Program, go to www.ymcade.org/preventdiabetes or contact the Healthy Living Department at 302-572-9622 or healthyliving@ymcade.org.
