Free program assist those at high risk of Type 2 Diabetes
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 98 million Americans have prediabetes, meaning that 1 in every 3 adults have blood sugar levels higher than the normal range.
Without proper attention, high blood sugar levels can lead to a long-term condition known as Type 2 Diabetes, in which the body has trouble controlling blood glucose and using it as energy. Having type 2 diabetes increases the risks for organ damage and/or failure. It also increases the onset of heart attacks, strokes and could lead to other illnesses.
Prevention is the key to lowering your risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes, The North Carolina Minority Diabetes Prevention Program (NC MDPP) has ways of helping you maintain your health.
Region 3's NC MDPP is led by the Forsyth County Department of Public Health and is seeking to serve pre-diabetic adults in 10 counties including:
Yadkin
Surry
Stokes
Davie
Davidson
Wilkes
Watauga
Forsyth
Alleghany
Ashe.
This program follows the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Prevent T2 curriculum which encourages 3 healthy lifestyle changes:
Improved eating behaviors
Promoting physical activity
Stress management.
“It’s a very unique program,” says Dr. Kasey Wilkie, Region 3 MDPP Coordinator. “Participants are assigned a lifestyle coach and paired with like minded individuals to complete a program proven to lower the risk of getting Type 2 Diabetes.” Through the Prevent T2 (Type 2) curriculum, participants learn they can actually still participate in items that they enjoy, like eating out. You’ll gain information on serving sizes and how to choose healthier options, while choosing ways to make health a priority. Participants also learn how to make exercise feel less of a hassle while gaining the knowledge of how to push through challenging situations.
The program consists of 1-hour classes for 12 months. Participants begin the program by meeting once a week for 12 weeks, then the schedule is modified to meeting every-other week and eventually meeting once a month as the 1 year mark is approached.
“In essence participants will complete the program at the same time they began the program the following year.” Participants are incentivized quarterly while in the program, with all incentives being purposefully selected to reward progress and to further encourage and support the healthy lifestyle changes.
Dr. Wilkie added, “The informal class environment is a plus. The atmosphere resembles a support group where participants share their goals and struggles relating to lifestyle changes and how to overcome them. I’ve discovered that people are more prone to discuss their health-related challenges and allow their vulnerability to surface when they realize someone else is experiencing the same challenges. The Prevent T2 (Type 2) curriculum contributes to this open communication, applying what is learned and participant testimonies of strength and endurance are what makes the program a success.”
Here are the program eligibility requirements:
Must be at least 18 years old
Have body mass index (BMI) of at least 25
Have no previous diagnosis of type 1 or type 2 diabetes
Have received a blood test result in prediabetes range in the past year or previously diagnosed with gestational diabetes (diabetes while pregnant)
A fasting glucose score of 100-125 mg or an A1c test ranging from 5.7 to 6.4 percent.
If you are interested in the program or would like more information, please contact Dr. Kasey Wilkie, Public Health Educator & Region 3 MDPP Coordinator via email at wilkiekl@forsyth.cc or by phone at 336-703-3219.
Dr. Wilkie will have a table at the Back-to-School Event at the Davidson-Davie Community College on August 17th.
