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Are You at Risk?

YMCA of Greater Kansas City
March 22, 2017
Are you at risk for prediabetes?

ARE YOU AT RISK FOR PREDIABETES?

Could you be prediabetic and not even know it? Ask yourself these questions: Are you over the age of 45? Are you overweight or obese? Do you have a family history of diabetes? Do you have high blood pressure? Are you physically active? Do you have a history of gestational diabetes? If you have answered yes to most of these questions, you’ll want to keep reading.  

According to the CDC, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a person with prediabetes has a blood sugar level higher than normal, but not high enough for a diagnosis of diabetes. Your chances of developing type 2 diabetes depend on a combination of risk factors such as genes and lifestyle. 

Unfortunately, you’re stuck with the gene part of the risk factors; family history, age, and ethnicity, but you CAN change lifestyle factors such as eating, exercise and weight; and the Y can help you.

THE Y IS HERE FOR YOU

The YMCA of Greater Kansas City has been offering its Diabetes Prevention Program for the last three years. It’s designed to help people reduce their risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes, with an evidence-based program that combines food tracking, weight loss, nutritional education and personalized support.

The need is growing. According to the CDC, more than 86 million Americans have prediabetes, and 10% of them progress to diabetes each year. The Y developed this program to help individuals better prevent diabetes and manage their overall health.

Research shows that by tracking the food you eat, increasing physical activity and monitoring changes in weight for 12 months, you can create lasting lifestyle changes and improve your health. Also, evidence shows that proper nutrition, specifically reducing fat intake can help you lose weight and reduce your risk of developing diabetes.

IS IT HARD? NOPE

As part of the Diabetes Prevention Program, you will track the food you eat and your weekly physical activity for 12 consecutive months with a tracking tool of your choice. The Y will provide nutrition education to help you practice healthier eating habits, including how to reduce fat in your diet.

Lifestyle Coaches, trained by the Y, will show you how to track your daily meals, make healthier food choices, increase physical activity and give you specific information to make a healthy lifestyle change.  

WHERE DO I GO?

We are currently offering this program at 9 of our Kansas City Metro locations and a new online class starting in April.

WHAT WILL I GET?

  • Personalized support from a Y Lifestyle Coach
  • Tips for maintaining overall health
  • Nutritional support and self-monitoring
  • Weight monitoring
  • Personalized and peer support

REQUIREMENTS

  • Must be at least 18 years old
  • Must be overweight, or have a BMI >25
  • Is diagnosed with prediabetes or gestational diabetes in previous pregnancies
  • May have a qualifying score on a risk assessment 

SIGN ME UP

Contact us at 816.285.8050 or HealthyCommunity@KansasCityYMCA.org.

Spanish-speaking classes are available, too.  

Source: www.cdc.gov/diabetes