Concerned about diabetes? The Y has a program for you

The YMCA of Greater Nashua Announces Diabetes Prevention Program

YMCA of Greater Nashua announces a program to prevent diabetes. The YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program, part of the CDC-led National Diabetes Prevention Program, is a yearlong 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.

Most people do not know they have prediabetes. New statistics for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that one in four Americans (86 million people) have prediabetes, up from 79 million in 2010. Prediabetes is a condition in which a person’s blood glucose is elevated, but not high enough for a diabetes diagnosis. Only 10 percent of those with prediabetes know they have it. With awareness and simple actions, people with prediabetes may prevent the onset of diabetes.

“As the number of new people with prediabetes continues to rise, it is important people understand what a prediabetes diagnosis means, and options available to reverse course,” said Maegan Demers, Healthy Living Director. “Fortunately, simple lifestyle changes can greatly reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and the Y can help people make the necessary changes to improve health.”

Individuals can assess their risk for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes by taking a simple test at YMCA.net/diabetes. Through this assessment, visitors can also learn how lifestyle choices and family history help determine the ultimate risk for developing the disease. Several factors that could put a person at risk for type 2 diabetes include race, age, weight and activity level. If a person is at risk, a diabetes screening conducted by a physician can confirm a diabetes or prediabetes diagnosis.

The goal of the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program is to improve overall health and to help those with prediabetes understand the risks and options to learn new behaviors that last a lifetime.

An individual must be at least 18 years old, overweight with a BMI greater than or equal to 25 and diagnosed with prediabetes or at high risk for diabetes.

The YMCA of Greater Nashua program is supported by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation.

A Y membership is not needed to participate in the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program and financial assistance is available to cover part of the cost of the program. The next session will begin Tuesday, May 19. To qualify for the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program ,contact Maegan Demers at 603-882-2011 or email at mdemers@nmymca.org.