November is National Diabetes Awareness Month. It is a great time to relook at our risk factors like age, weight and family history, and take some action if needed. We mostly know that we need to make healthier choices, but what does that look like? In Shasta County, one in two adults have prediabetes. Many individuals are at risk for type 2 diabetes and do not even know it. Simple lifestyle changes that contribute to weight loss and healthy living can decrease the risk for type 2 diabetes. But, we know that is not always easy to do, especially alone. The Shasta Family YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program is here to provide guidance and the support you need.
In the Diabetes Prevention Program (PreventT2) lifestyle change program, participants work in a group with a trained lifestyle coach to learn the skills needed to lose weight, become more physically active, and manage stress. “With the state of health in our county, we can no longer afford overlooking annual weight gain and continuing in poor lifestyle habits. The PreventT2 program offers a real chance to feel better and prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes by adopting a healthier lifestyle. Participants in the PreventT2 program are preventing type 2 diabetes by making lasting lifestyle changes. This impacts our families and entire community,” said Aimée Koskie, Wellness Program Coordinator at the Shasta Family YMCA.
The Shasta Family YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program gets results. The proof is in what the participants have accomplished and the changes that are made. Participants in the latest Diabetes Prevention Program cohort just completed their year commitment; below are some of the positive results from the program.
- Participants learned how to set goals, track food and exercise, improve mindfulness, and learned not to depend on food to cope. They learned the importance of exercise, portion control, identifying high-fat foods, and became more aware of eating habits.
- Participants reported making some big changes, from being mostly sedentary to being more active; for example, going to the gym 2-3 times per week, walking more, and adding in more steps for everyday activities. Not all participants increased physical activity, but focused more on eating patterns instead.
- Participants became more aware of reading labels and portion sizes, adding fruits and vegetables, limiting snacks, and choosing lower-fat options, as the curriculum directed. Participants learned to build plans for food choices, to avoid fast food, and included other family members in the good choices.
- Participants repeatedly reported the benefits of friendships that were formed, weight loss, and improved self-awareness and self-confidence. Participants gained positive, helpful feedback and other ideas from coaches, professionals, and other participants.
One participant said, “I’ve tried so many things before, but without the program, I would never have done this on my own.” Another participant said, "I was dependent on using food to cope. I realized I had to change my perspective and replace them with healthy habits.”
Throughout November we will be sharing tips on social media to help decrease the risk for type 2 diabetes. Basic lifestyle changes that contribute to weight loss and healthy living can decrease the risk for type 2 diabetes. Check out our Facebook or Instagram accounts for our tips!
To learn more about PreventT2 and to find a program near you, visit sfymca.org/stop-diabetes, call Aimée at 530.768.2185, or email [email protected].