Sign-ups underway for YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program

SOUTHINGTON – With more than 1 million people diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes each year, the Southington Community YMCA in partnership with Hartford HealthCare is striving toward reducing the numbers in town. The free 12-week Type 2 Diabetes Prevention Program has been quite successful since it was launched in 2018 with participants realizing positive results including reduced blood sugars, lower blood pressure, healthier lifestyles and more energy.

Each class includes a guest speaker who addresses various aspects of preventing Type 2 diabetes, discussion and 30 minutes of physical activity. Participants learn 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 have included registered dietitians, an advanced practice registered nurse and other medical professionals who have presented on topics including healthy cooking, medication and cardiovascular risk associated with pre-diabetes.

The next series will be held Tuesdays and Thursdays, Sept. 17 through Dec. 5, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. or 7 to 8 p.m., at the YMCA Spirit Mind Body Center, 130 N. Main St. Sign-ups are underway.

To be eligible, individuals must be Southington residents 18 and older and meet at least one of these criteria: diagnosed as overweight with a body mass index of more than 25; have had a blood test result in the pre-diabetes range within the past year; or told they are at risk for developing Type 2 diabetes or are pre-Type 2 diabetic. For people who have already been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, Hartford HealthCare has programs and classes that can be found at http://hartfordhealthcare.org.

“The combination of physical activity and education at each session is proving to be vital 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.

The health initiative – now in its second year – 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, call the YMCA at 860.628.5597 or stop by the main location at 29 High St.

Southington-Cheshire Community YMCA and Hartford HealthCare are both not for profits that serve the Southington community. For more information about Southington-Cheshire Community YMCA, visit www.sccymca.org. For more information about Hartford HealthCare, visit www.hartfordhealthcare.org.