The New Canaan YMCA is thrilled to announce the launch of the YMCA’s National Diabetes Prevention Program for our community in January. The program is based on the CDC’s Prevent Type 2 (T2) curriculum, a year-long evidence-based program proven to prevent or delay T2 diabetes in high-risk individuals by helping them to lose weight, eat healthy, and increase physical activity. Research by the National Institutes of Health has shown that programs like the YMCA’s National Diabetes Prevention Program can reduce the number of new T2 cases by 58% overall and 71% in adults over the age of 60.
T2 diabetes is a chronic disease that causes blood sugar levels to rise higher than normal. It affects more than 37 million people in the U.S., and 1 in 4 don’t even know they have it. Although diabetes has no cure, prediabetes can be reversed, and it’s important to know if an individual has prediabetes to prevent it from escalating. Prediabetes is a condition in which a person’s blood glucose is elevated, but not high enough for a diabetes diagnosis. On average, only 10% of those with prediabetes know they have it.
“It is clear why the Diabetes Prevention Program has proven to be highly effective in preventing T2 diabetes. This program is straightforward and provides the tools in simple, organized, practicable modules that make putting the plan into action manageable. Along with the small group support, thoughtful facilitation, and our commitment to spending some time working together, I have no doubt that this program will facilitate sustainable lifestyle changes. I’m very excited to be a part of this new offering at the New Canaan YMCA and sincerely hope many people will take advantage of it,” shared Melisa Pelikan, Stamford Health Wellness Nurse Coordinator at the New Canaan YMCA.
The Diabetes Prevention Program at the New Canaan YMCA connects participants with a lifestyle coach and a greater community of like-minded health-seekers that motivate participants in moving toward and achieving personal health and wellness goals. Led by trained lifestyle coaches, the program strives to help participants achieve two primary goals: reduce body weight by 5-7% and increase physical activity to 150 minutes per week.
“The year-long group support that this program provides along with the leadership of the lifestyle coach gives participants the time, skills, and support they need to reach their goals,” shared Bridget Philipp, V.P. of Healthy Living and Membership at the New Canaan YMCA.
This small-group program helps participants eat healthier, find new ways to engage in regular physical activity, and lose weight, which can delay or even prevent the onset of T2 diabetes—supporting these individuals in their journey toward a healthier, happier, and more sustainable lifestyle.
“Participants will also receive a free three-month membership at the Y toward the beginning of the program as they start to introduce more physical activities in their lives,” added Philipp.
To join the New Canaan YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program, participants must be 18 years or older, not diagnosed with T1 or T2 diabetes, and not currently pregnant. You must also have a diagnosis of prediabetes through a blood test, have been previously diagnosed with gestational diabetes, or have received a high-risk result on a prediabetes risk test. The program is open to members and non-members in the community.
The Y will be hosting upcoming information sessions about the Diabetes Prevention Program on Monday, December 5 at 9:30am and December 7 at 6:00pm, where interested participants will have the opportunity to learn more about the program, meet the coaches, and ask questions. Those interested in attending the information session are encouraged to sign up by contacting Eva Saint, Wellness Director at the New Canaan YMCA, at 203-920-1623 or [email protected].
For additional information about the Diabetes Prevention Program and any questions, contact Eva Saint, Wellness Director at the New Canaan YMCA, at 203-920-1623 or [email protected]. To learn more about the YMCA’s National Diabetes Prevention Program initiative, visit www.ymca.org/diabetes-prevention.