The YMCA of Delaware is one of 94 Ys nationwide participating in the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program, a lifestyle modification program that helps people reduce their risk for type 2 diabetes. The program is part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Diabetes Prevention Program. Also, the program is based on the National Institutes of Health-led, CDC-supported, Diabetes Prevention Program study, which showed losing a moderate amount of weight and increasing physical activity reduces the number of new cases of type 2 diabetes by 58 percent.
Particpants in the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program take part in a year-long program beginning with 16 one-hour weekly classroom sessions with a trained lifestyle coach who teaches healthy eating, physical activity and other lifestyle changes. Following these sessions, participants meet monthly for added support in reaching their ultimate goals of reducing body weight by 5 to 7 percent and participating in 150 minutes of physical activity per week.
In Delaware, more than 400 participants have taken advantage of the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program to date, with classes starting throughout the state at various times, in more than 30 locations. The program is for all adults at risk, 18 years of age or older. Currently, Medicare A/B recipients can do the year-long program at no cost, while other insurers cover or provide incentives to participate in the program.
“Initiatives like the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program that help Delawareans avoid type 2 diabetes and other chronic diseases play a key role in improving the nation’s health. Taking preventative steps now ensures everyone will live a better and healthier life,” said Tricia Jefferson, RD, LDN, YMCA of Delaware’s director of healthy living.
Prediabetes is a medical condition where blood glucose levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be classified as diabetes. An estimated one in three adults in the United States, or 79 million people, has prediabetes, yet only 11 percent of them know they have it. People with prediabetes have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes and other chronic diseases such as heart disease and stroke.
To learn more about the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program and other Healthy Living Programs, contact the Healthy Living Department at 302-572-YMCA or email diabetesprevention@ymcade.org.
