The YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program helps adults 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. Research by the National Institutes of Health has shown that programs like the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program can reduce the number of new cases of type 2 diabetes by 58% and 71% in adults over age 60.
Having prediabetes means a person has elevated blood glucose levels that are not high enough for a diabetes diagnosis. People with prediabetes are at risk for not only developing type 2 diabetes, but also cardiovascular disease and other chronic conditions.
The Y is committed to helping prevent chronic disease by giving individuals of all ages tools for healthy living. As one of the nation’s largest charities, Ys are poised to be part of a new health care delivery system that values prevention. We are in thousands of communities; we have staff experienced in supporting people trying to make healthy lifestyle changes; and we have an infrastructure to support building additional expertise.
The YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program is a year long program consisting of 16 one-hour weekly classroom sessions, then eight monthly sessions. A trained lifestyle coach helps participants learn strategies for healthy eating, physical activity and other lifestyle changes. The YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program is part of the CDC-led National Diabetes Prevention Program.
Participants who qualify for the program must be at least 18 years old, overweight (BMI > 25)* and at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes indicated by a confirmatory blood value† , a clinical diagnosis of Gestational Diabetes (GDM) during previous pregnancy, or a qualifying risk score.
Can I Participate? Find out using this worksheet (Spanish)
* Asian individual(s) BMI≥22
†Individuals who have already been diagnosed with either type 1 or 2 diabetes do not qualify for this program.
Your doctor can tell you if you are at risk. It can be determined through a blood test. Medicare and commercial insurance may cover screening. The YMCA’S Diabetes Prevention Program is open to ALL individuals through the Y regardless of their insurance status or the Y membership status.
If you cannot obtain a blood test, a combination of risk factors such as family history, overweight, gestational diabetes, elevated cholesterol, etc., may also put you at high risk.
Please Contact Mary Kate Owens, YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program Coordinator at (413)-534-5631 or mowens@holyokeymca.org to find out if you are eligible.
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