Diabetes Prevention?

If you are at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes, the YMCA's Diabetes Prevention Program can help you adopt and maintain a healthier lifestyle to reduce your chances of developing diabetes. 

Over the course of 16 one-hour classroom sessions, a trained lifestyle coach teaches participants how to change their lifestyle through healthy eating, physical activity and other behavior changes.  After the initial 16 sessions, participants meet monthly for added support to help them maintain their progress.

Program goals:         

• Reduce body weight by 7 percent.

• Participate in 150 minutes of physical activity per week.

The YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program is part of the CDC-led National Diabetes Prevention Program and is currently available at 46 Ys in 23 states and the District of Columbia. This evidence-based program has shown that by increasing physical activity and losing a modest amount of weight, a person with prediabetes can prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes by more than half.

What is prediabetes?

Prediabetes is a condition in which individuals have blood glucose levels that are higher than normal, but not high enough to be classified as diabetes. People with prediabetes are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke.

Who qualifies for the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program?

To qualify for the YMCA's Diabetes Prevention Program, participants must be 18 or older, overweight/obese (Body Mass Index > 25) and at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes, or have been diagnosed with prediabetes.

Do you meet the program requirements?

• I am at least 18 years old

• I am overweight (BMI > 25)

• I am at risk for developing type 2 diabetes or have been diagnosed with prediabetes by a healthcare provider

Are you at risk for developing diabetes?

• My blood pressure is 140/90 or higher, or I have been told I have high blood pressure

• I hae been told that my cholesterol levels are elevated

• I am fairly inactive. I am NOT physically active more than two times a week

• I have or had a parent or sibling with diabetes

• I have had gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregancy) or have given birth to a bay weighing more than 9 pounds

• I am 45 years of age or older

If more than two of the above conditions apply to you, 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 or prediabetes.

Do you have one or more of the following lab values or diagnosis?

• Fasting Plasma Glucose: (must be 100-125 mg/dL)

• 2-hour (75 gm glucola) Plasma Glucose: (Must be 140-199 mg/dL)

• HbA1c: (Must be 5.7 - 6.4%)

• I have received a prediabetes diagnosis from my healthcare provider

Where Can I find out more?

The YMCA of Arlington offers the YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program. 
James Hollis, Healthy Lifestyle Initiatives Director would love to hear from you. 

James Hollis
817-299-9629 ext 31
jamesh@ymca-arlington.org