If you’ve been told you have prediabetes, then you’re not alone. With most of the US population having problems with weight, prediabetes now occurs in one out of every three adults. People with prediabetes are much more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes than those with normal blood sugar levels, and many will develop Type 2 diabetes within 5 years. However, only 10 percent of people with prediabetes are even aware they have the condition.
So what can we do about this? You may have heard that prediabetes can be reversed with lifestyle changes. “People who can lose 5-7 percent of their body weight can reduce their risk of developing Type 2 diabetes by 58 percent,” said Elizabeth Bernstein, MD, an endocrinologist and the medical director of Mission’s Diabetes Center.
Of course, we all know losing weight has big health benefits, but we also know how hard it can be. “People who were successful in losing weight and preventing Type 2 diabetes followed a year-long diabetes prevention program with lifestyle coaches who offer ongoing education and support. We are excited to be able to offer the same proven program in Yancey County,” said Dr. Bernstein.
The program is called PreventT2, and it is provided by trained lifestyle coaches from Mission Diabetes Center. Participants will learn how to eat healthy, add physical activity to their routine, manage stress, stay motivated and solve problems that can get in the way of healthy changes. PreventT2 groups will meet for a year – weekly for the first 16 weeks and then monthly for 8 months. All sessions will occur at Blue Ridge Fitness and Rehabilitation Center, located at 155 Love Fox Road in Burnsville, NC. Participants will also get free limited access to the gym while enrolled in the program.
The program will be FREE to participants. Eligibility is based on weight, diagnosis of prediabetes, history of gestational diabetes or being at risk for diabetes (take a risk test here: ADA risk test). If you are unsure if you’re at risk for diabetes or to get more information regarding the program, please call Mission Diabetes Center at 828-213-4700. We hope to see you there!
