COMMUNITY HEALTH

The YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program helps adults at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes reduce their risk for developing the disease by taking steps that will improve their overall health and well-being. Research by the National Institutes of Health has shown that programs like the Y’s Diabetes Prevention Program can reduce the number of new cases of type 2 diabetes by 58% and 71% in adults over the age of 60.

Everyone needs a push, a pat on the back, a helping hand sometimes. A little encouragement goes a long way when you’re making big changes. As a participant
in the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program, you will take 25 classes over the course of a year surrounded by a group of supportive people with common goals who care about your well-being.

As a participant, you’ll enjoy:

• A safe space where you can feel comfortable sharing and learning in private.
• Making new friends. You will support each other as you all trade old habits for healthier new ones.
• Working as a group. You don’t have to figure this out alone.
• The new energy and confidence that comes with losing weight and reducing your risk for diabetes.
• The flexibility of beginning the program when it’s convenient for you. Classes typically have between 8-18 participants in them. If there is space in a newly formed class, you can join up to the 4th session

To participate in the program, you must be:

• 18 years or older,
• Overweight (BMI ≥ 25)^*, and
• Diagnosed with prediabetes via one of three blood tests or a previous diagnosis of gestational diabetes.^**

If you don’t have a blood test result, you must have a qualifying risk score.

The YMCA of Greater Erie complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex.

To help reduce your risk for diabetes, your goal in the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program is to reduce your body weight by 7% and increase your physical activity
by at least 150 minutes per week within the first half of the program.

For example, if you weigh 200 pounds your goal for the first half of the program would be to lose 14 pounds and increase your physical activity to what could be a brisk 30-minute walk, five days per week.

Lose weight, boost your energy, reduce your risk for diabetes and improve your health for life!

All participants will receive a FREE 6 month YMCA membership to help achieve their physical activity goals.

Grant funding options available through the Highmark Health Foundation and the Neighborhood Assistance Tax Credit Program (NAP). Financial assistance for those who qualify. Call the Center for Healthy Living at (814) 899-9622 or email [email protected]

Please check the above Do you Qualify information. If you think you may qualify, and are interested in the program, please contact Center for Healthy Living at (814) 899-9622 or email [email protected]

Program sessions run throughout the year as participants are qualified and have varying start dates.

Path 2 Prevention is your FREE online resource from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to learn more about prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, and the National Diabetes Prevention Program (National DPP). The site provides you with interactive games, activities, and information based on where you are now, to guide you on your path towards a healthier life.

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