FAMILY Y PROGRAM HELPS PREVENT/DELAY DIABETES

Linda McVey, who coordinates the Greater Cleveland YMCA's Diabetes Prevention Program, spoke at our November 21 luncheon meeting and explained the growing problem of diabetes, especially in the older adult population and how effective diet and lifestyle changes can be in preventing the disease.  She noted the numerous and very serious effects of diabetes on health, such as blindness, kidney failure, and heart attacks.  To participate in the Y's Diabetes Prevention Program, call Linda at 216-509-3980, or email her at healthyliving@clevelandY.org.  Qualified persons over 65 may be eligible for a 100% subsidized participation through Medicare.

YOU CAN REDUCE YOUR DIABETES RISK AND GAIN TOOLS FOR HEALTHY LIVING THROUGH THE YMCA’S DIABETES PREVENTION PROGRAM.

If you are at high risk for type 2 diabetes, the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program can help you adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles that will help you reduce your chances of developing diabetes.

The YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program helps those at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles by eating healthier, increasing physical activity and losing a modest amount of weight in order to reduce their chances of developing the disease. Based on research funded by the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the program reduces the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 58%.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

In a classroom setting, a trained lifestyle coach will help facilitate a small group of participants in learning about healthier eating, physical activity and other behavior changes over the course of 16 one-hour sessions. After the initial 16 core sessions, participants meet monthly for added support to help them maintain their progress.

PROGRAM GOALS:

·          Reduce body weight by 7%

·          Increase physical activity to 150 minutes per week

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?

In order to qualify for the program, you must be at least18 years old, overweight (BMI > 25)* and at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes or have been diagnosed with prediabetes^† by a healthcare provider.

*Asian individual(s) BMI > 22

^†Individuals who have already been diagnosed with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes do not qualify for this program.