During National Diabetes Awareness Month, the Marion Family YMCA is encouraging residents of Marion County to learn their risks for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes, and to take preventive steps to potentially reduce their chances of developing the disease.
Statistics for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that one in four Americans (86 million people) have prediabetes, up from 79 million in 2010. Prediabetes is a condition in which a person’s blood glucose is elevated, but not high enough for a diabetes diagnosis. Only 10 percent of those with prediabetes know they have it but with awareness and simple actions, people with prediabetes may prevent the onset of diabetes.
“The number of new people with prediabetes continues to rise and with that the importance of helping residents of Marion, Ohio understand what a prediabetes diagnosis means,” said Heather Wright, Wellness Director, Marion Family YMCA. “Type 2 diabetes affects not just the person but entire families as well, but the good news is that it is possible to reverse course—simple lifestyle changes reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and the Y can help people make the necessary changes to improve health.”
Individuals can assess their risk for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes by taking a simple test at YMCA.net/diabetes. Through this assessment, visitors can also learn how lifestyle choices and family history help determine the ultimate risk for developing the disease. Several factors that could put a person at risk for type 2 diabetes include race, age, weight and activity level. If a person is at risk, a diabetes screening conducted by a physician can confirm a diabetes or prediabetes diagnosis.
Marion Family YMCA is helping to improve health through the implementation of our new Diabetes Prevention Program set to begin in 2016.
The YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program gives you the skills you need and the support you deserve to make lasting healthy lifestyle changes. The program features 16 weekly sessions, then 8 monthly sessions led by a trained lifestyle coach. To help reduce your risk for diabetes, your goal in the YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program is to reduce your body weight by 7% and increase your physical activity to at least 150 minutes per week.
To participate in the program, you must be: 18 years or older, Overweight (BMI greater than or equal to 25, and diagnosed with prediabetes via one of three blood tests or a previous diagnosis of gestational diabetes. If you don’t have a blood test result, you must have a qualifying risk score on our risk assessment quiz found at YMCA.net/diabetes.
To learn more about the Marion Family YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program, please contact Heather Wright at 740-725-9622 or email at [email protected].
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