Positive results emerge from Diabetes Prevention Program at YMCA

SOUTHINGTON – Participants in Southington Community YMCA’s free Diabetes Prevention Program are realizing encouraging results from the 12-week series incorporating health education and exercise. Individuals have reported weight loss, improved sleeping, fewer medical problems and feeling better overall.

People in the program have been diagnosed as pre-diabetic. Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects an estimated 30 million people in the United States with more than 1 million people diagnosed each year, according to the American Diabetes Association.

In response, the Southington Community YMCA in collaboration with Hartford HealthCare has been offering the Diabetes Prevention Program since November. Classes are held Tuesdays and Thursdays, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. or 7 to 8 p.m., at the YMCA Spirit, Body, Mind Center, 130 N. Main St. Registration is underway for the next session April 2 to June 20. The program will take a break for the summer and resume Sept. 17.

Each class includes a guest speaker who addresses various aspects of type 2 diabetes, discussion and 30 minutes of physical activity. Participants learn more about healthy eating, share accountability and track their food intake using food journals. The goal is to bring out the physical best in all participants and provide group support in a friendly, non-threatening environment.

Hartford HealthCare educators include registered dietitians, an advanced practice registered nurse, and pharmacists who have presented on topics including healthy cooking, medication and cardiovascular risk associated with diabetes.

“The combination of physical activity and education at each session is proving to be vital to its success. Participants have met many of their initial goals and have gained the knowledge they need to keep living their best, healthy lives,” said Jolene Miceli, Southington Community YMCA Healthy Initiatives coordinator.

Individuals should be 18 years old and older and meet at least one or more of the following criteria: adults who have been told they are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes; adults who have been told they are overweight (BMI>25); or have a blood test result in the pre-diabetes range during the past year.

This health initiative is funded through a grant from the Bradley H. Barnes and Leila U. Barnes Memorial Trust of the Main Street Community Foundation.

For more information or to get started, sign up at the Southington Community YMCA, 29 High St., or contact the Y at 860.628.5597.