Tuesday, March 26, is American Diabetes Association Alert Day® and as the leading community-based network committed to improving the nation’s health, the North Penn YMCA is encouraging people in our community to learn the risks of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes and steps they can take to prevent the disease.
From 9am-12pm on this day at our Indian Valley and Lansdale branches, community health nurses from Grand View Hospital and Abington Jefferson Hospital will be on hand to offer Diabetes Risk Assessments. There will also be a free seminar on Diabetes Prevention and Treatment at the Indian Valley branch at 11:45 am, and a licensed dietitian will be at the Lansdale branch in the morning to talk about nutrition.
Also – learn more about our recently launched Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) which helps pre-diabetics reduce their risk for type 2 diabetes through lifestyle changes that include healthy eating and physical activity. Anyone age 18 and over with a diagnosis of pre-diabetes is eligible for this year-long program with approval from their physician. DPP is a nationally recognized program, originated by the CDC. Research by the National Institute of Health has shown that programs like the YMCA’s DPP can reduce the number of new cases of type 2 diabetes by 58 percent, and 71 percent in adults over the age of 60.
More details are available at the Membership Desk of either the Lansdale or Indian Valley branches. Or contact Alicia Fergus at Indian Valley at 215-723-3569, ext. 115 or at aliciaf@NorthPennYMCA.org.
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What is pre-diabetes?
- Having prediabetes means a person has elevated blood glucose levels that are not high enough for a diabetes diagnosis. People with prediabetes are at risk for not only developing type 2 diabetes, but also heart disease and other conditions.
- An estimated 86 million people, one in three adults, in the United States have prediabetes, yet just 10 percent of those individuals know they have it.
- In 2012, the total cost of diagnosed diabetes was $245 billion; $176 billion was in direct medical costs and $69 billion in reduced productivity.
About Type 2 Diabetes:
- People who are overweight, inactive and over the age of 45 are at higher risk for the disease.
- Medical expenses for people with diabetes are more than two times higher than for people without diabetes.
- The average medical expenses for a person with diabetes are $13,700 per year.
Prevention:
Individuals can reduce their risk for developing diabetes. Research has shown that modest weight loss and regular, moderate physical activity can prevent or delay type 2 diabetes among adults at risk.
Take control! We offer an unbelievable amount of programs and resources to help you control your weight and get active, all while having FUN! More information on our Adult Health and Fitness Programs can be found here, and of course our nationally recognized Diabetes Prevention Program referenced above which is coming soon!