You can reduce your risk for Type 2 diabetes and gain tools for healthy living.  The YMCA of Greater Fort Wayne is now offering the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program in Kosciusko County.

Stop by the Kosciusko Community YMCA to register for upcoming classes. The YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program helps those at high risk of 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. Based on research funded by the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the program reduces the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes by 58 percent.

In a classroom setting, a trained lifestyle coach facilitates a small group of participants in learning about healthier eating, physical activity and other behavior changes over the course of 16 one-hour sessions. Topics covered include healthier eating, getting started with physical activity, overcoming stress, staying motivated, and more. After the initial 16 core sessions, participants meet monthly for added support to help them maintain their progress.

One past participant of the Kosciusko County program says, “I gained a group of friends that ended up being a motivational team.  We each brought a wealth of knowledge each month, and I feel that group participation led to our success.  I liked meeting each week, and also enjoyed the small group. Our instructor, Stacy, was great, and she really listened to our individual concerns, while keeping us motivated each week.”

Another program participant says, “I have dropped twelve percent of my body weight, my blood pressure dropped 20 plus points, and my doctor stopped prescribing an oral diabetic medication. I make healthier choices when dining out, I exercise regularly, and I look forward to making even more progress through the program at the Y!”

Classes start on Thursday evenings from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 21, and are held at the Pill Box Pharmacy on DuBois Drive. For more information and to see if you qualify, contact: Stacy Thomas at [email protected] or 574-269-9622.

The YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program is part of the CDC-led National Diabetes Prevention Program. Financial assistance is available.

The Y is the leading nonprofit committed to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. All the efforts and offerings of the Kosciusko Community YMCA are guided by the core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.

Every day, the Y works side-by-side with our neighbors to make sure everyone regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. In 2012 the Kosciusko Community YMCA provided $136,685.96 in financial assistance to make sure that happens.