YMCA’s PreventT2 Diabetes Prevention Program
REDEFINE YOUR LIFE
Through the YMCA’s PreventT2 Diabetes Prevention Program, at-risk individuals can delay or prevent development of type 2 diabetes. The program gets to the root of the diabetes epidemic by helping those at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles. Its purpose is to empower adults with lasting lifestyle changes that will improve their overall health and reduce their chance of developing type 2 diabetes.
Program Goals
Lose 5–7% of your body weight and gradually increase your physical activity to 150 minutes per week – this is done by implementing the following strategies:
- Healthy Eating—Eating smaller portions, reducing fat in your diet and discovering healthier food options has been proven to help prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes.
- Increasing Physical Activity—Studies have repeatedly shown that moderate physical activity (walking, swimming, mowing the lawn) for as little as 30 minutes, five days a week can help improve your blood pressure, raise your good cholesterol and prevent blood flow problems.
- Losing Weight—It has been shown that reducing your body weight by even a small amount (as little as 7%) can offer tremendous benefits for people at risk for diabetes.
The Results
Based on research funded by the National Institutes of Health, the program has been shown to reduce the number of new cases of type 2 diabetes by as much as 58%. The reduction was even greater, 71%, among adults aged 60 years or older. Read the facts here.
We know from program surveys that participants in the YMCA’s PreventT2 Diabetes Prevention Program self-report many benefits. For instance, 94% say they have reduced their portion size and 88% say they have increased their level of physical activity. Perhaps more surprising, 83% say they have improved their self-esteem, 84% say they have more energy and 91% even say they have improved their overall health. Read more about how we know this national program works from the participants themselves.
How it works
- In a classroom setting, a trained YMCA lifestyle coach will help you change your lifestyle by learning about healthy eating, physical activity and other behavior changes over the course of one year
- Topics covered include making healthier food choices, getting started with physical activity, overcoming stress, staying motivated and more
- The program consist of weekly and biweekly sessions during the first 6 months and monthly sessions during the second 6 months to help maintain their progress and stay motivated
Take the test – know your score
Answer these seven questions – for each “Yes” answer, add the number of points listed: |
YES |
NO |
Are you a woman who has had a baby weighing more than 9 pounds at birth? |
1 |
0 |
Do you have a parent with diabetes? |
1 |
0 |
Do you have a brother or sister with diabetes? |
1 |
0 |
Is your BMI > 25? |
5 |
0 |
Are you younger than 65 years of age and get little or no physical activity in a typical day? |
5 |
0 |
Are you between 45 and 64 years of age? |
5 |
0 |
Are you 65 years of age or older? |
9 |
0 |
If you “yes” answers score 9 or higher, then you may be at risk for prediabetes or diabetes, and may qualify for the program. This does NOT mean you have diabetes. You will need a blood test to confirm if you have diabetes.
Cost of the program
The total cost of the year-long program is $429 and includes:
- 25 one-hour sessions delivered over the course of a year
- Weekly and biweekly sessions during the first 6 months followed by monthly sessions during the second 6 months to help maintain progress and stay motivated
- A lifestyle coach for 12 months of education and support
- Progress reports to your primary care physician
Who can participate
Program participants must meet the following criteria:
- Adults 18+
- Overweight (BMI > 25)*
- At risk for or have been diagnosed with prediabetes†
- Fasting Plasma Glucose between 100 – 125 mg/dL
- 2-hour (75 gmglucola) Plasma Glucose between 140-199 mg/dL
- A1c between 5.7% and 6.4%
- Confirmed via a qualifying risk score OR a previous diagnosis of gestational diabetes OR one of three qualifying blood tests
*Asian individuals (BMI > 22)
Individuals who have already been diagnosed with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes do not qualify for this program.
A combination of risk factors such as family history, weight, gestational diabetes, age, etc., may also put you at high risk – click here to see if you are at risk.
Did you know?
- 29 million Americans have type 2 diabetes
- Type 2 diabetes is a leading cause of heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney disease and nerve disease
- 86 million Americans have prediabetes
- Prediabetes is a serious health condition and a precursor to developing type 2 diabetes. People with prediabetes are likely to develop type 2 diabetes within 10 years unless they take action to prevent or delay the disease
- 58% of all new cases of type 2 diabetes can be prevented, and 71% of new cases in individuals over age 60 can be prevented through programs like the YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program
- Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States
- Diabetes disproportionately affects black and Latino populations (they are nearly 2 times more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes)
- People with diabetes are about 50% more likely to die than people of the same age without diabetes
- Medical expenses for people with diabetes are 2.3 times greater than those without
- People with diabetes are at greater risk for stroke, nerve damage, blindness, dental disease, lower limb amputation, depression, and complications during pregnancy
Become a Strategic Partner and Help us Change Lives
Interested in partnering with the Y to help prevent the dangers of diabetes? You can also sponsor an individual to participate in the program with a modest donation. Contact our Wellness Director to learn how you can help.