Sometimes, success comes in many different avenues. For Sue Alger, 66, it’s been a combination of hard work and extra support as she has made her journey toward a healthier lifestyle.
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Alger, of Mukwonago, was committed to improving her health when she realized she qualified for a local, yearlong Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) offered at the Mukwonago YMCA, Waukesha YMCA and YMCA at Pabst Farms. The new program emphasizes an innovative, research-proven plan involving smart, realistic lifestyle changes that reverse prediabetes.
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Even before Type 2 diabetes sets in, prediabetes can increase the odds of heart attack, stroke, circulation problems, kidney and eye damage. An estimated 79 million Americans have prediabetes and are at risk for developing diabetes, but only 11 percent are aware of it.
Alger’s commitment to eating healthier and regular fitness and had already paid off. She had lost 70 pounds when she said she hit a plateau.
“I was beginning to get discouraged and felt myself slipping into my own ways,” Algers said.
Shortly after starting the DPP program’s 16 weekly core sessions, she was skeptical that it would work.
“I wasn’t sure this class would teach me anything I wasn’t already doing,” Alger said.
But she found that tracking her food and activity intake were the keys to helping her make small and sustainable changes in her own habits.
Alger soon made steady progress in achieving the 7 percent weight loss and 150-minute weekly activity goals.
Research by the National Institutes of Health has shown that programs like the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program can reduce the number of new cases of diabetes by 58 percent overall and by 71 percent in individuals over age 60.
The program allows participants to gather in a relaxed classroom setting and work together in small groups to learn how to incorporate healthier eating and moderate physical activity into their daily lives. Programs are facilitated by trained Lifestyle Coaches who offer knowledge, feedback, encouragement, and accountability.
“They applauded all of our achievements even when they weren’t huge,” Alger said.
Once the initial 16 weekly sessions are completed, participants maintain their lifestyle changes in 8 monthly sessions to expand on earlier learning, re-charge motivation, and continue progress toward program and personal goals.
Alger credits her coaches with making the classes fun and engaging, and for everything she’s learned about lifestyle change. She believes that it’s never too late for anyone to change, and that Type 2 Diabetes can be prevented.
“After all, you can’t put a price on your health,” Alger said.
The Diabetes Prevent Program is about to start the next round of classes. Classes begin Monday, March 24, from 6:00-7:00 PM, at the Mukwonago YMCA and Thursday, March 27, from 6:00-7:00 PM at the Mukwonago YMCA.
For more information or to register, contact Melissa Hexom at mhexom@ymcacwc.org or 262-542-2557 x2812.
