Lillian Christian was told during a routine blood test that her sugar level was too high. She is now one of 57 million people in the US who have prediabetes. Studies show that many people with prediabetes develop type 2 diabetes in 10 years, but it can be prevented or delayed by up to 58 percent through changes in lifestyle.
“I was flabbergasted by the news that I had prediabetes, but thankful that they caught it early so I could still do something about it,” said Christian.
Lillian works in our metro offices at the YMCA of Central Florida. We sent an email out to our employees about the YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program (YDPP) after Lillian got the news. The email explained how the YDPP gives people the tools they need to reduce their diabetes risk and develop tools for healthy living.
“I decided to enroll, because I wanted to see how the 16-week program could help bring down my sugar level,” said Christian. “Three weeks in, I am learning to read food labels and stay away from foods with high levels of fat.”
Most importantly, Lillian is not going down this path alone. Her favorite thing about the YDPP is that program members support one another. She’s making friends and, together, they are learning how to make healthier choices for their families. Lillian also has her YDPP lifestyle coaches encouraging her all the way. She described them as friendly, sincere and knowledgeable.
Lillian is already noticing a difference in her eating habits. She avoids her favorite food (french fries), reads labels and has a better understanding about fat intake. She encourages people to enroll in YDPP so they adopt healthier eating habits, have a better understanding of good health and live longer to enjoy their family and friends.
We will check in with Lillian and post about her progress over the next few weeks. Lillian is taking control of her health by learning new tools for healthy living and reducing her risk for diabetes through the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program. You can too.