Have you ever been told by a health care professional that you have high blood sugar, borderline diabetes or pre-diabetes? If so, you might be at risk for type 2 diabetes. The CDC estimates that more than 79 million Americans have pre-diabetes and many do not know it. The good news is that there is something you can do about it. The Greenbrier County Health Department is offering the CDC-led National Diabetes Prevention Program in our local communities. It is an evidence-based lifestyle change program that is uniquely designed to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes. It is a year-long program in which participants regularly meet as a group and work with a trained lifestyle Coach to make modest lifestyle changes. The program is proven to help people lose weight and lower their risk of type 2 diabetes by 58 percent. The group meets weekly for 12 sessions, then bi-weekly for four sessions, and then monthly. The classes will begin the week of Sept. 2 and are being offered in two convenient locations. Classes will be held on Tuesdays from 5-6 p.m. at the Rainelle Medical Center and on Thursdays from 5-6 p.m. at the Greenbrier County Health Department. According to the America Academy of Family Physicians, diabetes affects 26 million Americans and 11.6 percent of adults. It is the 7th leading cause of death and is a major cause of blindness, kidney failure and amputations. If you think you might be at risk for type 2 diabetes and want to “make a change for life,” find out how to enroll in the classes by contacting the Greenbrier County Health Department at 304-645-1787.
