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Submitted by Mason General Hospital & Family of Clinics

More than 86 million American adults are pre-diabetic and most of them don’t even know it.  Without weight loss, moderate activity and a healthy diet, there is a real risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes within five years.  In an effort to reduce these alarming statistics and promote Exceptional Health in our community, MGH&FC’s Diabetes Wellness Center offers a twelve-month Diabetes Prevention Program to guide people through a lifestyle change that can prevent or delay the onset of Type 2 diabetes.

Pre-diabetes is identified when your blood sugar level is higher than normal but not high enough for a diagnosis of diabetes. It sounds a warning that you are at increased risk for Type 2 Diabetes, heart disease and stroke.  Currently, forty-five percent of the community have higher-than-normal blood glucose (sugar) levels and may develop Type 2 Diabetes within 3 years if they do not take steps to prevent it.

MGH&FC’s Diabetes Prevention Program engages a supportive, non-judgmental approach to wellness in a small group setting where participants will learn the difference between fad diets or gimmicks and this research-based wellness and weight loss program. Part of the National Diabetes Prevention Program led by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Program employs a CDC-trained Lifestyle Coach to empower people with skills to make lasting lifestyle changes that prevent diabetes. Together, participants work toward losing weight, being more physically active, and managing stress.

Debbie McGinnis, RN, BSN, CDE, Coordinator of the Diabetes Wellness Center, says, “We are excited to offer a proven approach to preventing the onset of Type 2 Diabetes. The Lifestyle Coach inspires small groups to stay motivated and solve problems that get in the way of healthy changes”.

The Diabetes Prevention Program groups meet for 16 sessions during the first 6 months of the program, then once a month for 6 months to maintain healthy lifestyle changes. The Program’s group setting provides a supportive, motivational environment for people who are facing similar challenges and trying to make the same changes. “Lifestyle changes are much more achievable with the support of a coach and one’s peers,” said McGinnis.

The research shows that people with prediabetes who made modest changes by losing 5 to 7 percent of their body weight (10 to 14 pounds for a 200-pound person) reduced their risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 58 percent. “Small changes can make a big difference,” McGinnis added.

For more information and to see if you are a good candidate for this Program, take the Pre-Diabetes Risk Quiz at www.cdc/diabetes/prevention. If you score positive for pre-diabetes call the Diabetes Wellness Center at (360) 427-7332 and you can get started by attending a one-hour, introductory Orientation Class before deciding if the Diabetes Prevention Program is right for you.

MGH&FC is approved by the Joint Commission and is a licensed and accredited acute care hospital with a level four emergency trauma designation.  MGH&FC now offers Virtual Care ‒ 24/7.  For more information on Virtual Care or to find a health care provider, go to www.masongeneral.com.

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