Lone Star Family Health Launching Diabetes Prevention Program

From Lone Star Family Health Center: Lone Star Family Health Center (LSFHC) will launch a National Diabetes Prevention Program (National DPP) in February, led by its new Registered Dietitian Nutritionist.

In the United States, diabetes is becoming an epidemic. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in ten Americans, or about 30 million people, have diabetes. The CDC estimates that over 35,500 people in Montgomery County have diabetes, and just over 2,500 patients treated at LSFHC over the past year had diabetes. Additionally, 84.1 million adults in America have prediabetes, and 9 in 10 of prediabetics are unaware that they have it.

“The risk of developing type 2 diabetes can be reduced by half in people with prediabetes who make lifestyle changes,” says LSFHC Pharm D, Valerie Powell, “But making those changes takes support. That support is what this program will let us provide our patients.”

Powell has been leading LSFHC’s diabetes nutrition education efforts and spearheaded the initiative for the organization to start a CDC National DPP effort in-house at its Conroe location. The hope is that through this one year program, patients diagnosed with prediabetes will be able to effect a lifestyle change that will lead away from the full onset of diabetes, and to a healthier lifestyle overall. And the biggest asset of this program is that at LSFHC, it will be free of charge.

“Preventing the full onset of diabetes is the best way to save the lives, and the quality of life, of people with prediabetes,” says Powell, “The program will require some commitment on the part of the patients, but it will provide the support that can help them change the path of their health.”

The National DPP at LSFHC will begin in February, with introductory sessions in late January. There are a series of requirements that patients must meet to participate, including having a blood test with results in the prediabetes range or being previously diagnosed with gestational diabetes. Those interested in participating should call (936) 539-4004 or visit lonestarfamily.org for more information.

Introductory sessions are scheduled for Tuesday, January 30th at 9 am and Wednesday, January 31st at 2 pm and are open to anyone wanting to learn more about National DPP.

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