
The YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program is part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-led National Diabetes Prevention Program and is nationally supported by the Diabetes Prevention and Control Alliance.
The program provides a supportive environment where participants work together in a small group to learn about healthier eating and increasing their physical activity in order to reduce their risk for developing diabetes. The program, which is led by a trained Lifestyle Coach in a classroom setting, is delivered over a 12-month period, beginning with 16 weekly sessions followed by monthly maintenance.
RISK FACTORS FOR DIABETES
- Being overweight or obese (i.e., BMI of 25 or higher)
- First-degree family history of diabetes
- Being age 45 or older
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Low HDL Cholesterol (35 mg/dl; 0.09 mmol/l) and high triglycerides (250 mg/dl;2.82 mmol/l)
- High blood pressure (consistent reading of 140/90mmHg or higher)
- History of gestational diabetes or gave birth to a baby weighing more than 9 pounds
- Belonging to one of the following ethnic populations: African Americans, Native American Indians, Latinos, Asian, Americans, and Pacific Islanders
- Having polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Having a history of vascular disease
PROGRAM GOALS
- Reduce body weight by 7%
- Increase physical activity to 150 minutes per week