In the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program, a trained Lifestyle Coach will introduce topics in a supportive, small group environment and encourage participants as they explore how healthy eating, physical activity and behavior changes can help reduce their risk for diabetes and benefit their overall health.

The Diabetes Prevention Program is a recognized program by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

HOW IT WORKS
The 12-month, 25-session, group-based program consists of one-hour, weekly sessions, followed by monthly sessions led by a trained Lifestyle Coach who facilitates a small group of people with similar goals.

Participants explore how healthy eating, physical activity and behavior changes can help reduce the risk for developing diabetes.

The monthly maintenance sessions help participants stay motivated to maintain progress toward their goals.

PROGRAM GOALS
Lose 7 percent of your body weight, and gradually increase your physical activity to 150 minutes per week.

You will do this by learning strategies for:

Healthy Eating
Eating smaller portions, reducing fat in your diet and discovering healthier food options has been shown to help prevent the onset of Type 2 diabetes.

Increasing Physical Activity
Studies have repeatedly shown that moderate physical activity (walking, swimming, mowing the lawn) for as little as 30 minutes a day, five days a week can help improve your blood pressure, raise your good cholesterol and prevent blood flow problems.

Losing Weight
It has been shown that reducing your body weight by even a small amount (as little as 5 – 7 percent) can offer tremendous benefits for people at risk for diabetes.

Based on research funded by the National Institutes of Health, this program has been shown to reduce the number of new cases of Type 2 diabetes by as much as 58 percent in adults. The reduction was even greater, 71 percent, among adults aged 60 years or older.

Nearly 86 million American adults, that’s one in three, have prediabetes. People with prediabetes are likely to develop Type 2 diabetes within 10 years, unless they take action to prevent or delay the disease. Diabetes is a leading cause of heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney disease and nerve disease.

Thanks to a collaborative partnership with the Rock County Public Health Department, our Y is proud to offer the Loaner Cuff Program FREE & OPEN to Rock County residents 18+ that meet qualifications. In addition, all participants receive a FREE 1-month Y membership because we want to walk alongside you in your wellness journey.

What is self-measured blood pressure (SMBP)?

SMBP is when you measure your blood pressure outside of the doctor’s office or other health care settings.

Why do I need to measure my blood pressure if it was already measured at the doctor’s office?

SMBP allows you to measure at different times throughout the day and over a longer period of time, helping your doctor get a more complete picture of your blood pressure.

How does SMBP help me with my health?

By using SMBP, you and your care team can come up with a treatment plan to better control your blood pressure. This can prevent more serious health problems.

Rock County Public Health Department and the YMCA of Northern Rock County, working together for a healthy, thriving community.