Success story from YMCA's Diabetes Prevention Program

Cancer Survivor Finds Success Preventing Type 2 Diabetes with New Y Program

After his doctor diagnosed him as being at-risk for Type 2 diabetes, Greater Nashua YMCA member Dave deBronkart enrolled himself in the Y’s Diabetes Prevention Program in November 2014.

“I’m a stage four kidney cancer survivor. I didn’t want to get something like Diabetes after everything I went through,” he said, “You don’t want to get Diabetes, if you can prevent it. Baby Boomers are living longer and having an expanded life is a reason to stay healthy.”

In a matter of 6 months in the program, he found success as he saw an increase in strength and stamina and he also lost 30 pounds and dropped two clothing sizes. “My oncologist and doctor wanted to double check my weight loss because it was so quick. They thought my cancer may have returned,” Dave said. But that wasn’t the case.

“Health is social. There is a big difference when you work with others. Information alone doesn’t change behavior. I bought a heart rate monitor and Garmond wristband to track my activity but gadgets don’t get it done either. It’s a combination that brings a strong change.”

DeBronkart cites that the Y’s Diabetes Prevention Program isn’t overly complicated. The information is easy to understand and follow. He also said that you don’t need to make miserable sacrifices to be successful. His wife is also very supportive and actively involved with his life changes, which included an increase in physical activity and being more aware of the food that they ate.

“The program took a lot of work, but wasn’t really hard to do. I’ve never been athletic or a jock. I didn’t need to turn my life inside out to accomplish what I did.”

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.

To qualify for the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program 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.

A Y membership is not needed to participate in the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program and financial assistance to cover the cost part of the cost of the program is available. The next session will begin Wednesday, January 6 from 5:45-6:45 p.m. at the Nashua Y. If you are interested in the participating contact Maegan Demers at 603-882-2011 or email at mdemers@nmymca.org.