The YMCA lifestyle coach meets with participants weekly for 16 weeks, then monthly for 8 months. This added support helps participants maintain progress.
Prediabetes: Am I at risk? • You may be at risk for Type 2 diabetes if you • Are 45 years of age or older. • Are overweight. • Have a family history of Type 2 diabetes. • Have high blood pressure. • Are physically active fewer than three times per week. • Ever had diabetes while pregnant (gestational diabetes) or gave birth to a baby that weighed more than 9 pounds. Source: CDC.gov
Having prediabetes puts people at higher risk for Type 2 diabetes, previously called adult-onset diabetes. The American Diabetes Association reports that 29 million Americans — more than 9 percent of the population — have diabetes, and that nearly all of them have Type 2 diabetes. Due to the well-documented childhood obesity epidemic, physicians are increasingly seeing Type 2 diabetes in children as well. To localize these numbers, consider that 9 percent of the population of the city of Richmond is about 19,000 people; 9 percent of the greater Richmond area’s population is about 113,400 people. YMCA of Greater Richmond, which operates 17 branches throughout the metropolitan area, has been offering the Diabetes Prevention Program since 2013. It’s one of more than 625 organizations across the country, including about 165 YMCAs, that are certified to offer the program. “We know that diabetes and prediabetes are a huge factor for America and Virginia,” says Jana Smith, associate director of community health for YMCA of Greater Richmond. “In Virginia, 2.2 million adults have prediabetes, and 9 out of 10 don’t know it. “It’s not something right now that is part of a common conversation with doctors in the regular annual checkup. We’re trying to raise awareness. If you determine you are at risk, number one, talk with your doctor to help manage your risk, and number two, work with the Y to reduce your risk for the onset of Type 2 diabetes.” YMCA of Greater Richmond offers the Diabetes Prevention Program at all of its locations. The course is open to adults, ages 18 and older. Classes start at various times throughout the year and are held during the day, in the evenings and on weekends, depending on need and interest. The Y also offers the course at community centers, churches and other locations. “We offer them all the time,” Smith says. “It really depends on where the need is and when there’s a need. Once we identify enough people to start a class, we get on it.” The YMCA also is collaborating with local businesses and hospitals that might be interested in providing the program to their employees. “Some employers are paying for it,” Smith says, referring the program’s $429 fee. “They recognize
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