Know the Risks: November is National Diabetes Awareness Month

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month and a time for all New Jersey residents to assess their risk for developing prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. Currently, of the 84 million people with prediabetes only 10 percent know they have the condition. In addition to the high risk of developing type 2 diabetes, people with prediabetes are also at risk of developing other chronic diseases such as heart disease and stroke.

Prediabetes is a condition in which a person’s blood glucose is elevated, but not high enough for a diabetes diagnosis. To address this issue, the Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA offers the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program, which helps adults lose weight through healthier eating and increased physical activity, potentially preventing or delaying the onset of type 2 diabetes.

The YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program is a group-based lifestyle intervention for adults at high-risk of developing type 2 diabetes and has been shown to reduce the number of new cases of diabetes by 58 percent overall and by 71 percent in adults over 60.

“At the Y, we take a community integrated approach to improving health, meaning we move health care out of the clinic and into the community where people can more easily access the support they need,” said Sheri Cognetti, Senior Program Director at the Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA. “Currently much of our focus is on prevention programs like the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program that provide a safe and supportive environment where people can learn to change behaviors and potentially decrease chances of developing type 2 diabetes.”

A new session of the Diabetes Prevention Program will be starting at the Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA on Tuesday, November 27 at 6:30pm. To learn more about the program and see if you qualify, please contact Donna Peart at dpeart@fspymca.org or 908-889-8880.

The YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program, part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) led National Diabetes Prevention Program, is a 12-month evidence-based program that features a lifestyle coach who helps participants learn tactics for healthy eating, physical activity and other lifestyle changes during 25, one-hour classroom sessions. Long-term program goals include reducing participants’ body weight by 5 to 7 percent and increasing physical activity to 150 minutes per week.

Nationally, more than 62,000 people participated in the program at more than 1,100 sites in 40 states throughout the country. Participants who completed the yearlong program lost an average of 5.5 percent of body weight and completed an average of 160 minutes of physical activity per week.

The Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA will be hosting several other Diabetes Prevention related events in November. On November 27, the organization will recognize Diabetes Alert Day with cooking demonstrations and healthy eating talks at 12pm and 6:30pm. Additionally, the Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA will kickoff its six-week Diabetes Self-Management Program, starting on November 29 from 10am-12:30pm. This program is for those already diagnosed with type 2 diabetes who are looking for help better managing the disease through lifestyle changes. For more information on Diabetes Alert Day and the Diabetes Self-Management Program, please also contact Donna Peart at dpeart@fspymca.org or 908-889-8880.

Please note that all guests entering the Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA must present a valid government-issued photo ID.

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 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.

###

About the Y

The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Across the U.S., 2,700 Ys engage 22 million men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Anchored in more than 10,000 communities, the Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change. Visit fspymca.org for more information.