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Meadville Family YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program
Forming healthy habits can be hard without a support system. We’re here to give you the encouragement you need to eat better, increase your physical activity and lose weight — all of which can delay or prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes. Learn more about our Diabetes Prevention Program, available at more than 200 Ys across the country.
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic disease that causes blood sugar levels to rise higher than normal. It affects more than 37 million people in the U.S., and 1 in 4 don’t even know they have it. Although diabetes has no cure, prediabetes can be reversed. It’s important to know if you have prediabetes so you can prevent it from escalating. Chances are you know at least one person with diabetes or prediabetes. Take this quick test offered by the CDC, then share the test with friends and family so they can assess their risk
DIABETES BY THE NUMBERS
29 MILLION
96 MILLION
Americans have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
People in the U.S. have prediabetes—but 8 out of 10 of them do not know they have it.
8TH LEADING CAUSE OF DEATH
2 TIMES
Diabetes is the eighth leading cause of death in the United States.
Diabetes disproportionately affects Black and Latino people. Due to systemic health inequities, they are nearly two times more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes.
4.6 FEWER YEARS
2.3 TIMES
Adults 50 or older with diabetes die 4.6 years earlier.
Medical expenses for people with diabetes are 2.3 times greater than those without.
The Good News
If you believe you are at risk for developing diabetes, there is something you can do about it. People with prediabetes who make the kinds of basic lifestyle changes the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program suggests—modest weight loss, eating healthy and regular physical activity—have been shown to reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The Meadville Family YMCA has ran CDC accredited programs in the past with many community members successfully participating in our local Y program. We are excited to bring the program back to our community.
The Y Can Help
We look forward if you find out that you or someone you know is at risk for developing diabetes, our YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) can help. Please call or email Tammy at [email protected] /814-336-2196 to find out when our next informational session or next program start date is scheduled. Tammy is our DPP Coach. Tammy earned her Bachelor of Science in Nutrition & Dietetics followed with a certification by NASM as a Nutrition Coach. Most recently she completed a certification with the Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists as a Lifestyle Coach.We look forward to answering your questions and empowering you to take control of your health.
For Health Professionals
Allow our program to help you help your patients. Based on research from the National Institutes of Health, programs like YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program reduces new cases of type 2 diabetes by 58% overall and 71% in individuals over age 60.
Our year-long program engages participants in 25 sessions and focuses on small, measurable lifestyle goals. With group support and instruction from Lifestyle Coaches, participants learn how to incorporate healthier eating, physical activity, problem-solving and coping skills into their daily lives. The curriculum is CDC-approved and is part of the CDC-led National Diabetes Prevention Program.
For health professionals referring a patient is simple: please contact [email protected] to receive a packet with further information and patient referral form.
