Diabetes Prevention Program

According to the CDC, 84 million Americans (37% of all adults) are prediabetic with progression to diabetes at rate of 10% per year. Adults with prediabetes is based on 20 years and older. Only 10% know they have prediabetes.

What is the YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program?

Our Diabetes Prevention Program is an evidence based, year-long program recognized by the CDC. It’s based on research showing that with modest lifestyle changes, you can reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes by more than half. Participants work closely with a trained lifestyle coach in a supportive group environment to build healthier habits around eating, physical activity, and stress management.

Who Should Join?

You may be eligible to participate if you meet the following criteria:

• 18 years or older
• Body Mass Index (BMI) of 25 or higher (23 or higher if of Asian descent)
• Not pregnant
• Have no previous diagnosis of type 1 or type 2 diabetes
• Meet one of the following health conditions:
  • A recent blood test (within the past year) showing prediabetes with:
    • Hemoglobin A1C between 5.7% and 6.4%
    • Fasting plasma glucose between 100 and 125 mg/dL
    • Two-hour plasma glucose (after a 75g glucose test) between 140 and 199 mg/dL
  • Previous diagnosis of gestational diabetes

  • A high-risk result on the Prediabetes Risk Test

    Note: You do not need to be a YMCA member to join this program. It is open to everyone looking to reduce their risk of type 2 diabetes.

The Cost of Doing Nothing

Once a person is diagnosed, the associated medical costs increase, and even more if the individual has other health conditions. The incentive is there to prevent the onset of diabetes.

• The annual out-of-pocket medical cost in 2012 for a person without diabetes was $3,673
• The annual out-of-pocket medical cost in 2012 for a person with diabetes was $9,202
• The annual out-of-pocket medical cost in 2012 for a person with diabetes and associated conditions was $17,762

Sources:

Economic Costs of Diabetes in the U.S. in 2012.” Diabetes Care. March 6, 2013

What You’ll Learn

Our program is not about short-term diets or intense workouts. Instead, you’ll learn sustainable lifestyle changes that promote healthy eating, increased physical activity, and weight loss. Topics covered include:

• Healthy Eating: Learn how to make balanced food choices that support long-term health.
• Increasing Physical Activity: Discover easy ways to stay active and build regular exercise into your routine.
• Weight Loss Strategies: Gain the knowledge and tools to lose a small percentage of your body weight and keep it off.
• Stress Management: Develop techniques to manage stress and stay motivated.

Program Structure

The Diabetes Prevention Program is a year-long commitment that starts with 16 weekly sessions followed by monthly maintenance sessions to keep you on track. Each session is designed to provide you with the knowledge, motivation, and support you need to live a healthier life.

Why Choose the YMCA?

At the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas, we believe that small changes can make a big difference. By choosing our Diabetes Prevention Program, you’ll not only benefit from the guidance of a certified lifestyle coach but also the encouragement of a group of peers who are working toward the same goal. Plus, as part of the YMCA community, you’ll have access to a range of wellness resources to support your journey.

Hundreds of millions of dollars of peer-reviewed scientific research has demonstrated that lifestyle intervention programs like the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program have been shown to reduce the number of new cases of type 2 diabetes by 58% and by 71% in individuals over age 60.

Sources:

New England Journal of Medicine, 2002

We've collected data through 2016 from YMCAs in 47 states who offer this program. Below are the findings:

• 45,859 participants have been served as of 2016
• 4.6% of participants share losing weight after 16 sessions
• 5.5% of of participants weight loss at the end of the year
• 159.1 minutes of average weekly physical activity

How to Get Started

Ready to take the next step toward better health? Fill out the form below, or contact Tracey Burns, Director of Community Health and Outreach, to learn more about our Diabetes Prevention Program and how you can enroll. Together, we can reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes and help you live a healthier, more active life.

Find Out if You're at Risk