Understand your risk for Type 2 diabetes.
More than 1 in 3 American adults have prediabetes, but almost 80% don’t even know they have it. On Diabetes Alert Day, the Y wants you to know the risks for type 2 diabetes. Take the 60-second CDC’s risk test to find out: https://www.cdc.gov/prediabetes/takethetest/.
The Y’s Diabetes Prevention Program uses the CDC-approved, Prevent T2 curriculum. A trained lifestyle coach engages participants in discussions on various topics in a supportive, small-group environment. This year-long class includes 16 weekly sessions, and 8 monthly follow-up sessions. Instructors encourage participants to create and stick to realistic goals as they explore how healthy eating, physical activity, behavior changes and weight loss can help them reduce their risk of developing diabetes.
Any adult, 18 years or older, who has a prediabetes diagnosis or is at risk for Type 2 diabetes, can participate. You do not have to be a Y member. You can have prediabetes for years without symptoms and may not know you have it until a serious health issue shows up. Talk to your doctor about getting your blood sugar tested if you have any of the risk factors for prediabetes, including:
- Being overweight
- Being 45 years or older
- Having a parent, brother, or sister with type 2 diabetes
- Being physically active less than 3 times a week
- Ever having gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy) or giving birth to a baby who weighed more than 9 pounds
