By Mary Ellen Psaltis
Who wants to have Type II diabetes? No one I know. Who expects to get it? The answer is not many. Unfortunately, by the time a person receives a diagnosis of Type II diabetes, there are often simultaneous issues such as high blood pressure, heart disease and high cholesterol. It gets worse from there. Also, the diabetes is no longer in a pre-diabetes stage. Any one of these is a challenge to face, let alone multiple concerns.
There isn’t a magic wand to instantaneously ‘undo’ diabetes, but there is hope – great hope, because there are choices for action. Drugs may help delay onset, but the South Sound YMCA has a more effective and more lasting plan. No pills are involved. It’s their Diabetes Prevention Program. This means help is at hand for individuals on track for Type II diabetes.
The Y, in partnership with the Center for Disease Control, offers a science-based program that addresses lifestyle choices. The commitment of the national organization is to support a movement “to increase awareness and take measures to prevent diabetes and its complications among groups at risk, and to help support treatment outcomes for individuals who have confirmed diagnoses or indications of prediabetes by promoting an effective lifestyle change.” With time and attention, people are supported to make changes for the improvement of their overall well-being.
South Sound YMCA’s Program Coordinator is Nicole Kettermann. “I’m very much an advocate for preventative medicine,” says the certified Y Life Coach and personal trainer.
Kettermann facilitates the curriculum for groups who gather together for education and support. Health insurance for many at-risk state workers covers participation in this successful program. It’s a year-long commitment that gives you avenues to let go of 7% of your body fat, incorporate exercise into your daily routine and get your blood sugar levels into the normal range.
Initially, there is a screening process that involves questions, testing A1c (glucose in the blood) levels and establishing your BMI (a weight/height assessment). Those who are at risk may enroll. If you are curious about your own risk, the CDC offers a quick test to check for pre-diabetes likelihood. Click here. Knowing your score is a powerful tool and a beginning step to better health.
Kettermann explained that the program isn’t about telling you what to eat or what not to eat, though there is nutrition information. Instead, it’s much more. You learn how to read labels and shop for groceries. You find out the truth about food portions and which foods might help you feel better. Awareness is built by keeping a food and activity journal. People have opportunities to identify triggers in their daily lives that spur unhealthy eating. Kettermann added that people discover “how to figure out their own situations.” The group shares challenges and successes together. It’s helpful to get tips and to understand that others face challenges like you do.
Of the state-based groups, Kettermann noted, “We’ve had really good attendance.” Often people in the program take advantage of the classes and facilities at the Y. The first three months of membership are included in the program, and when families decide to continue after that, initiation fees are waived.
Kettermann gets excited to see people weaning off medications and getting more fit. One satisfied attendee wrote, “I went from an A1c reading of 14 (OMG) in January, to 7.6 in May and now a 5.9 today – without ANY meds! I will NOT need to take diabetes medications for some time (and hopefully never).” Read about success stories at the Y’s website by clicking here.
Joyce Neas, Executive Director at the Briggs Community YMCA, has also noticed the results from people in the Diabetes Prevention Program. Over 60% of participants reached their goals. She has also witnessed the changes at the Y, itself. “It’s beyond a pool and a gym,” explaining that the Y has evolved. The Y takes personal interest in members in order to tailor their involvement with the right classes for working out and education.
The Y is also a place for socializing. The coffee pot is on for people to linger and talk.
The Y’s Diabetes Prevention Program is not a quick cure, but it is miraculous. Not surprising, science based studies showed that people who took no action had the highest incidence of diabetes. The group that took the prescription drug, Metformin, saw a 31% reduction in the incidence but the lifestyle group showed an impressive 71% reduction in adults over the age of 60 (58% overall).
Imagine how much happens over the course of a year. Habits can change, behaviors can alter, blood sugars levels are reduced and the scales read lighter. Sounds good to me. Check with your state office to find out when the next screening will take place. If are you not eligible for the programs through the state or you know someone who wants to join you, you can be part of the community program that begins in early February.
What are you waiting for? For further information, click here on the Y’s Diabetes Prevention Program for Type II diabetes.
