The YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program helps adults at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles by eating healthier, increasing physical activity, and losing a modest amount of weight in order to reduce their chances of developing the disease. Research by the National Institutes of Health has shown that programs like the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program can reduce the number of new cases of type 2 diabetes by 58%. Among adults aged 60 years and older, the reduction rate is 71%.
We look forward to speaking with you about Diabetes Prevention or another evidence-based program that may fit your health needs.
How Our Program Works
This program lasts one year over 25 sessions. A trained Lifestyle Coach facilitates a small group of participants in a classroom setting. The supportive group works together to learn about healthier eating, physical activity, reducing stress, and other behavior changes. The group environment encourages participants to stay motivated to maintain progress towards program goals.
Program Goals
- Reduce body weight by 7%
- Increase physical activity to 150 minutes per week
Eligibility
In order to qualify for the program, you must be at least 18 years old, overweight (BMI > 25, BMI > 22 for Asian individuals) and at high risk for one of the following:
- Developing type 2 diabetes indicated by a confirmatory blood value*,
- Prediabetes determined by clinical diagnosis of Gestational Diabetes (GDM) during previous pregnancy, or
- A qualifying risk score. (See The American Diabetes Association online quiz.)
Individuals who have already been diagnosed with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes do not qualify for this program.
*A confirmatory blood value means that you have a blood test result in the prediabetes range within the past year. A prediabetes range is any of the following:
- Hemoglobin A1C: 5.7–6.4%
- Fasting plasma glucose: 100–125 mg/dL
- Two-hour plasma glucose (after a 75 gm glucose load): 140–199 mg/dL
Cost & Insurance
Traditional Medicare and some Medicare Advantage plans typically cover the full cost of our program for eligible participants with no co-pays required. If you have questions about insurance, please let us know via our contact form below.
For anyone not covered by Medicare, we offer sliding-scale access to our diabetes prevention program based on ability to pay. If you are ready to make lifestyle changes, we will make sure cost is not a barrier to getting you started.
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