Small changes in weight can yield big rewards
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EmailReduce your risk for developing type 2 diabetes by enrolling in the National Diabetes Prevention Program.
According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, without intervention, 15 to 30 percent of people with prediabetes will develop type 2 diabetes within five years. Prediabetes, a condition where blood glucose is higher than normal but not yet type 2 diabetes, is a serious health threat for millions of American adults. Michigan State University Extension in Grand Traverse County will launch a National Diabetes Prevention Program course series in partnership with the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA on August 22.
The National Diabetes Prevention Program is a research-based program designed to equip participants with the tools to reduce their chance of developing type 2 diabetes. MSU Extension is proud to be one of seven organizations in Michigan who have received “full recognition” from the Centers for Disease Control. Full recognition is a mark of quality programming and given when an organization has demonstrated effectiveness by achieving all performance criteria. The National Diabetes Prevention Program is based on a clinical research study that showed people with prediabetes who take part in a structured lifestyle change program can cut their risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 58 percent and 71 percent for people over 60 years old. This finding was noted when people lost 5 to 7 percent of their body weight through modifying their diet to include healthier food and 150 minutes of weekly activity. Study authors concluded that losing weight is the most effective way to lower one’s risk for type 2 diabetes.
A few frequently asked questions:
How long is the lifestyle change program?
- The NDPP lasts one year. The course meets weekly for about four months. Weekly sessions are then followed by monthly meetings that last for six to eight months.
How long is each session?
- Each session lasts one hour.
Who is eligible to participate in this program?
- NDPP is designed for people who have prediabetes or are at risk for type 2 diabetes, but who do not already have diabetes. Find out if you are prediabetic by completing this short assessment.
Do I have to attend every session?
- To be most successful in making sustaining lifestyle change, it is important to commit to the program. If you miss one or two sessions, opportunities will be provided to schedule a make-up session with the course facilitator.
To learn more about the National Diabetes Prevention Program, visit MSU Extension and the CDC website.
MSU Extension will offer the National Diabetes Prevention Program beginning August 22 at the Grand Traverse YMCA from 4 to 5 p.m. Registration deadline is August 17 and limited to 10-12 participants. Register with the GT Bay YMCA by calling 231-486-6357. Are you interested in learning more? Contact Sarah at 231-922-4836 or eichber2@anr.msu.edu.
