YMCA of Columbia is Ready to Help Adults Prevent Diabetes

The YMCA of Columbia is now offering the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program to help adults make lifestyle changes that will improve their overall health and reduce their chance of developing type 2 diabetes.

COLUMBIA, SC –  The YMCA of Columbia is now offering the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program – an evidence-based program shown to reduce the burden of type 2 diabetes – one of the nation’s costliest chronic diseases. The first session of the program will begin on Wednesday, March 11 at 5:30 p.m. at the Downtown YMCA.

The YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program is a group-based lifestyle intervention for adults at high risk for 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.

“The CDC reports that over 71,000 people in our service area have diabetes and, if trends continue, this number could triple by 2050. This is staggering,” said Bryan Madden, Chief Executive Officer of the YMCA of Columbia. “What’s more staggering is that currently, 42 percent or more than 235,000 adults in our service area 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 of Columbia’s current service area includes Bamberg, Calhoun, Kershaw, Lexington, Richland, Orangeburg and a portion of Fairfield counties.

The annual economic cost of diabetes in South Carolina is over 4 billion dollars.

The YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program is a yearlong program with 16 weekly sessions followed by 8 monthly sessions. In a relaxed classroom setting, a trained Lifestyle Coach helps participants learn skills to help them incorporate healthy eating, increase physical activity, and make other behavior changes a part of 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, overweight 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 and classes to not have to take place at a YMCA. Financial assistance is available for those who qualify.

The YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program uses a CDC-approved curriculum and is part of the CDC-led National Diabetes Prevention Program.

For more information about this program, to see if you qualify, or to suggest a program location, contact Andrea Ward, YMCA of Columbia’s Community Wellness Director, at [email protected] or visitwww.columbiaymca.org.

About the YMCA of Columbia

Over the past century and a half, the YMCA of Columbia has been a community-transforming institution, not only in the Midlands, but in the entire United States. The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Regardless of age, income or background – the Y works to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. The Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change. The YMCA of Columbia has locations in Downtown Columbia, Irmo, Ballentine, Lexington, Northeast Columbia and Orangeburg. Please visitwww.columbiaymca.org for more information.