24 for Life program helps to prevent Type 2 Diabetes

One in three American adults has prediabetes. If you have prediabetes, you are at high risk for developing Type 2 Diabetes, a serious and costly disease. Many people with prediabetes who do not start to change their lifestyle habits by losing weight or participating in moderate physical activity, can develop Type 2 Diabetes within 5 years.

The good news is that you can prevent Type 2 Diabetes. The 24 for Life lifestyle change program, offered by Midland Care, can help. 24 for Life is part of the National Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP), led by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and has been proven to prevent or delay Type 2 Diabetes.

In 24 for Life, you will work in a group with a trained lifestyle coach to learn the skills you need to make lasting changes. These include losing a modest amount of weight, being more physically active, and managing stress. You will learn to eat healthy, how to add physical activity to your life, be encouraged to stay motivated, and solve problems that can get in the way of healthy changes.

“If you have prediabetes, 24 for Life offers a real chance to prevent or delay the onset of Type 2 Diabetes by helping you adopt a healthier lifestyle,” said Donna Doel, 24 for Life Assistant Coordinator.

Your 24 for Life group will meet for a year – weekly for the first 6 months, then once or twice a month for the second 6 months – to maintain your healthy lifestyle changes. Most participants enjoy the group support and find it makes lifestyle change easier. One participant said, “It’s made me much more conscious of food choices and importance of exercise.”

READ: 24 for Life Program Promotes Weight Loss

 

The 24 for Life program is based on research that found people with prediabetes can cut their risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes in half by losing 5 to 7 percent of their body weight. That is about 10 to 14 pounds for a person weighing 200 pounds.

“Small changes make a big difference,” added Doel. “With a trained lifestyle coach as a guide, you can work with others who have prediabetes to make a change for life.”

To learn more about 24 for Life and find a program near you, call Donna Doel at 785-250-5210. For more information, go to www.midlandcare.org/24forlife or like them on facebook at www.facebook.com/24ForLifeDiabetesPrevention.

 

You May Have Prediabetes and Be at Risk for Type 2 Diabetes if You:

• Are 45 years of age or older
• Are overweight
• Have a family history of Type 2 diabetes
• Are physically active fewer than 3 times per week
• Ever had diabetes while pregnant (gestational diabetes) or gave birth to a baby that weighed more than 9 pounds

 

Contact: Donna Doel

785-250-5210

ddoel@midlandcc.org

24forlife@midlandcc.org

www.MidlandCare.org/24forLife

 

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