Tuscarawas County’s hidden health challenge named as prediabetes
November is National Diabetes Awareness Month, and the Tuscarawas County YMCA wants residents of Tuscarawas County to be aware of their risk for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes – and preventative steps they can take today to reduce that risk. Currently, nearly 26 million Americans have diabetes and a staggering 79 million people have prediabetes, a condition where blood glucose is elevated, but not high enough to be diagnosed with diabetes.
While the nation’s struggle with obesity and type 2 diabetes is well-chronicled, the amount of people with prediabetes is a growing and often underreported issue that can be prevented with changes in eating and physical activity habits. People with prediabetes are at risk for not only developing type 2 diabetes, but cardiovascular diseases, stroke and other conditions.
“Learning that you have prediabetes does not necessarily mean you will develop type 2 diabetes. In fact, it’s the first step in preventing type 2 diabetes through changes in healthier eating and regular physical activity,” said Brandi Hibbs, health and fitness director. “You don’t have to make the changes alone. The Y can help through programs designed to help you achieve better health goals.”
As one of the nation’s leading nonprofits dedicated to strengthening community through healthy living, the Tuscarawas County YMCA is urging residents to assess their risk for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes by visiting http://www.ymca.net/diabetes-prevention. Individuals can learn how background and lifestyle choices help determine the ultimate risk for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. Several factors that could put a person at risk for type 2 diabetes include family history, age, weight and activity level, among others.
Some basic lifestyle changes that contribute to weight loss and healthy living can decrease the risk for type 2 diabetes. Among these are:
- eat fruits and vegetables every day;
- choose fish, lean meats, and poultry without skin;
- aim for whole grains with every meal;
- be moderately active at least 30 minutes per day five days a week;
- choose water to drink instead of beverages with added sugar;
- speak to your doctor about your diabetes risk factors, especially if you have a family history or are overweight.
The Tuscarawas County YMCA will be offering an eight week diabetes prevention, self-management, and support program (diabetes program) beginning in January. Participants (or adult representing a youth) must have a doctor’s referral and be pre-diabetic, diabetic or at high risk of developing diabetes. Classes will focus on healthy eating, exercise, goal setting and the physiology of the disease. Participants will have access to a Tuscarawas County YMCA facility and exercise classes (fees apply) and be expected to exercise three times a week. The participant referral form, to be completed by a physician and turned in by Dec. 11 for consideration, is available online or at the member service center.
While the nation’s struggle with obesity and type 2 diabetes is well-chronicled, the amount of people with prediabetes is a growing and often underreported issue that can be prevented with changes in eating and physical activity habits. People with prediabetes are at risk for not only developing type 2 diabetes, but cardiovascular diseases, stroke and other conditions.
“Learning that you have prediabetes does not necessarily mean you will develop type 2 diabetes. In fact, it’s the first step in preventing type 2 diabetes through changes in healthier eating and regular physical activity,” said Brandi Hibbs, health and fitness director. “You don’t have to make the changes alone. The Y can help through programs designed to help you achieve better health goals.”
As one of the nation’s leading nonprofits dedicated to strengthening community through healthy living, the Tuscarawas County YMCA is urging residents to assess their risk for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes by visiting http://www.ymca.net/diabetes-prevention. Individuals can learn how background and lifestyle choices help determine the ultimate risk for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. Several factors that could put a person at risk for type 2 diabetes include family history, age, weight and activity level, among others.
Some basic lifestyle changes that contribute to weight loss and healthy living can decrease the risk for type 2 diabetes. Among these are:
- eat fruits and vegetables every day;
- choose fish, lean meats, and poultry without skin;
- aim for whole grains with every meal;
- be moderately active at least 30 minutes per day five days a week;
- choose water to drink instead of beverages with added sugar;
- speak to your doctor about your diabetes risk factors, especially if you have a family history or are overweight.
The Tuscarawas County YMCA will be offering an eight week diabetes prevention, self-management, and support program (diabetes program) beginning in January. Participants (or adult representing a youth) must have a doctor’s referral and be pre-diabetic, diabetic or at high risk of developing diabetes. Classes will focus on healthy eating, exercise, goal setting and the physiology of the disease. Participants will have access to a Tuscarawas County YMCA facility and exercise classes (fees apply) and be expected to exercise three times a week. The participant referral form, to be completed by a physician and turned in by Dec. 11 for consideration, is available online or at the member service center.
Published: November 2, 2011
