Taking Action to Prevent Diabetes

At the Y, we know that healthier communities are stronger communities. That’s why we are working hard to ensure that you to learn your risk for type 2 diabetes and take action to prevent it.                                   WHAT'S HAPPENING IN AMERICA   Unhealthy eating and declining physical activity has led to an explosion of type 2 diabetes.  Nearly 26 million Americans have diabetes and a staggering 79 million people have prediabetes, a condition in which individuals have blood glucose levels that are higher than normal, but not high enough to be classified as diabetes. People with prediabetes are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, it is estimated that 8.5-10.1 percent of adults in Central Florida are diagnosed with diabetes.   WHAT WE ARE DOING ABOUT IT The YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program is a group-based lifestyle change program designed for high-risk adults. The program provides a supportive environment where participants work together in a small group to learn about healthier eating, and increasing their physical activity in order to reduce their risk for developing diabetes. Individuals who participate in the program take part in 16 one-hour weekly classroom sessions with a trained Lifestyle Coach. Following these sessions, participants meet monthly for up to a year for added support in reaching their ultimate goals of reducing body weight by 7 percent and participating in 150 minutes of physical activity every week.  

ARE YOU AT RISK?

• • My blood pressure is 140/90 or higher, or I have been told I have high blood pressure.
  • I have been told that my cholesterol levels are elevated.
  • I am fairly inactive. I am NOT physically active more than two times a week.
  • I have or had a parent or sibling with diabetes.
  • I have had gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy) or have given birth to a baby weighing more than 9 pounds.
  • I am 45 years of age or older.

NOW IS THE TIME TO MAKE THE CHANGE If 2 or more bullets above describe you, then you may be at risk for diabetes and may qualify for the program. Your first step towards diabetes prevention is registering for the YMCA Diabetes Prevention program today.

• • • • Read our brochure.
      • Find a class near you.
      • Contact Kelly Prather at [email protected]  or 407.644.3606.