Let's Talk about PreDiabetes
According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention a person with prediabetes has a blood sugar level higher than normal, but not high enough for a diagnosis of diabetes. Your chances of developing type 2 diabetes depend on a combination of risk factors such as your genes and lifestyle. Although you can’t change risk factors such as family history, age, or ethnicity, you can change lifestyle risk factors around eating, physical activity, and weight. These lifestyle changes can affect your chances of developing type 2 diabetes.
The following are some risk factors:
Overweight or obese
People at age 45 or older
A family history of diabetes
African American, Alaska Native, American Indian, Asian American, Hispanic/Latino, Native Hawaiian, or Pacific Islander
high blood pressure
A low level of HDL (“healthy”) cholesterol, or a high level of triglycerides
A history of gestational diabetes or gave birth to a baby weighing 9 pounds or more
Lack of physical activity
The YMCA of Greater Kansas City has been offering its Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) for the over 3 years. The program is designed to help people reduce their risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes, following an evidence-based program that combines food tracking, weight-loss, nutritional education and personalized support.
The need is growing. According to the Centers For Disease Control, more than 86 million Americans have prediabetes, and 10% of them progress to a diagnosis of diabetes each year. The DPP offered by the YMCA was developed to help individuals better prevent diabetes and manage their overall health.
Research shows that by tracking food intake, increasing physical activity and monitoring changes in weight for 12 months, people can create lasting lifestyle changes and improve their health. In addition, evidence shows that proper nutrition, specifically reducing fat intake can help participants lose weight and reduce their risk of developing diabetes.
HOW IT WORKS
As part of the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP), participants will track their food intake, and physical activity each week for 12 consecutive months in a self-selected tracking tool. A nutrition education component will encourage participants to practice healthier eating habits, including reducing fat in their diet.
The program is facilitated by Lifestyle Coaches, appointed and trained by the Y, who will show participants how to track food intake, choose healthier food options, increase physical activity and will deliver content specific to healthy lifestyle change.
LOCATIONS
We are currently offering the in-person DPP program at several of our Kansas City Metro locations. Our next online class will start in June.
PROGRAM DETAILS
Personalized support from a Y Lifestyle Coach
Tips for maintaining overall health
Nutritional support and self-monitoring
Weight monitoring
Personalized and peer support
PARTICIPATION CRITERIA
Must be at least 18 years old
Must be overweight or have a BMI >25
May have been diagnosed with prediabetes or gestational diabetes in previous pregnancies
May have a qualifying score on a risk assessment for prediabetes
ENROLL NOW
Contact Domonique Bell to learn more about our in-person and mobile DPP classes:
Email: HealthyCommunity@KansasCityYMCA.org
Phone: 816.285.8050
Spanish-speaking DPP classes are available too. Contact Rubi Lopez:
Email: HealthyCommunity@KansasCityYMCA.org
Phone: 816.285.8050
References
CDC: www.cdc.gov/diabetes
CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/prevention/index.html
