Mercy Health Sponsors YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program

The YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program is a group-based lifestyle intervention for adults at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes, and has been shown to reduce the number of new cases of diabetes by 58 percent overall and by 71 percent in adults over 60. Great Miami Valley YMCA is excited to make the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program available to the Butler County community beginning in February.

“The CDC reports that in 2010 one in ten U.S. adults had diabetes and, if trends continue, as many as 1 in 3 U.S adults could have diabetes by the year 2050. This is staggering,” explains Woody Fitton, President & CEO of Great Miami Valley YMCA. “But what’s more staggering is that currently, 86 million have prediabetes but only 10 percent are aware of it. Knowing your risk for prediabetes is the key to taking control and reducing these statistics. The YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program empowers participants to make lasting lifestyle changes that will improve their overall health and reduce their chance of developing type 2 diabetes.”

The YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program is nationally supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other national organizations committed to preventing chronic disease. Locally, Mercy Health - Fairfield Hospital has supported the program by providing a $52,000 grant, with the majority of the funds being used to provide financial assistance to those who otherwise would not be able to afford the program.

“Mercy Health’s wish for the community is to be well and if you’re risk for diabetes, there’s nothing better you could do for yourself than join the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program,” said Tom Urban, Mercy Health North Market President and CEO. “We’re proud to partner on this proven program with the YMCA because we know it will change lives for the better and help people be well.”

The YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program is a year-long program delivered in 25 sessions. In a relaxed classroom setting, a trained Lifestyle Coach helps participants learn skills that will help them incorporate healthy eating, increasing physical activity, and other behavior changes into their everyday lives. The goals of the program are 7 percent weight loss and an increase in physical activity to 150 minutes per week. To be eligible for this program, participants must be at least 18 years old with a BMI of 25 or greater and at risk for developing type 2 diabetes or have been diagnosed with prediabetes. Youth under 18 and persons diagnosed with diabetes do not qualify. A Y membership is not required for participation.