Learn how to live a healthier life and avoid type 2 diabetes by participating in the Diabetes Prevention Program at the Henry County YMCA. The YMCA will host a kickoff event at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, August 29, to explain the details and logistics of the program. Attendees can hear from past participants and discover the many benefits of the Diabetes Prevention Program.

Diabetes is a chronic disease that causes blood sugar levels to rise higher than normal. Diabetes affects more than 29 million people. A condition called prediabetes occurs when blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough for a type 2 diabetes diagnosis. More than 86 million Americans have prediabetes and are at risk of developing diabetes… 89% of them don’t even know they’re at risk. Diabetes has no cure, but prediabetes can be reversed.

The YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program is a small group that helps people with prediabetes eat healthier, increase their physical activity and lose weight, which can delay or even prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes. This program is made possible through a partnership with Henry Community Health.

Benefits of the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program include:
– Y membership during the program (based on attendance)
– Free sessions with a personal trainer
– Free blood tests through Henry Community Health

Participants discover long-term benefits from the program, which results in lasting lifestyle changes. Rather than leaning on fad diets, the program emphasizes healthy choices and encourages both nutritional improvements and activity goals. Some classes include fitness demonstrations and recipe sharing.

For more information, call Program Director Kelsay Smith at 765-529-3804, ext. 2 or email ksmith@henrycountyymca.org