The Lake County YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program helps people avoid Type 2 diabetes

By Patricia Nugent

Roughly one in three adults in Lake County are pre-diabetic, and many have no idea they are on a crash course toward full-blown diabetes.

Luckily, as part of a national initiative by the YMCA, the Lake County Y has introduced the Diabetes Prevention Program.

“This disease has reached epidemic proportions,” says Senior Healthy Living Director Margaret Warner. “The good news is, when caught in the pre-diabetic stage, it can be preventable. And it’s much easier to prevent than to treat.”

The DPP engages participants in 25 sessions throughout the year. With instruction and support from lifestyle coaches, participants learn how to incorporate healthier eating, moderate physical activity and problem-solving and coping skills into their daily lives.

For the first 16 weeks of the year-long initiative, the group meets weekly for weigh-ins, activity tracking and educational support, then every other week, then monthly.

Are You Pre-Diabetic?
In order to qualify for the evidence-based program, Margaret says people need to be 18 years or older, have a BMI of ≥25 and have met pre-diabetic levels on any one of three blood tests (5.7-6.4 on the A1C, 100-125 on the fasting plasma glucose, or 140-199 on the two-hour plasma glucose). These tests are often already available on people’s Cleveland Clinic MyChart. They don’t need to make a doctor’s appointment and get another test.

“People are also qualified candidates if they have ever been diagnosed with gestational diabetes, or meet a risk assessment available on our website,” she adds, “We prefer having a blood value for each person.”

People who already have diabetes do not qualify.

Margaret reports the first group to enroll in the DPP, which began last August, is doing quite well. With participants of varying ages and from all walks of life, the majority of them are already meeting their health goals.

A second group of eight has also just kicked off within the Willoughby Hills Family Health Center Cleveland Clinic.

Look for more monthly stories as Mimi Magazine chronicles the inspirational journeys of the participants in this initial Lake County YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program. Cost is $429, which may be covered by some insurances, and the YMCA offers financial assistance to those who qualify. You do not have to be a member to participate. Visit LakeCountyYMCA.org, or call 440-354-5656, ext. 310 for more information.