Medicare Now Accepted for the Granite Ymca’s Diabetes Prevention Program
November 9, 2021
MANCHESTER, NH – The Granite YMCA today announced that it has been recognized as a Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program Provider (MDPP) by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), meaning that more New Hampshire residents can take part in its highly-successful, in-person and virtual diabetes prevention programs. Medicare participants across the state who want to take part in the YMCA’s program can now have it paid for by insurance. Participating in the Diabetes Prevention Program has been proven to prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes by 58-71%.
National Diabetes Awareness Month and Community Health Fair
To mark National Diabetes Awareness Month, The Granite YMCA is also hosting a Community Health Fair with the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Services on Thursday, November 18, 2021, from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 pm - 6:00 p.m. at its Manchester location. New Hampshire residents can have their glucose and blood pressure screened, as well as ask questions about prediabetes warning signs, diabetes prevention, and home safety.
Diabetes Prevention Program at The Granite YMCA
“We’ve eliminated barriers to time and travel with virtual offerings, and our Medicare designation allows us to extend programming to even more participants,” said Cindy Lafond, Association Director of Health Interventions, The Granite YMCA. “In the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program, participants learn the skills they need to live healthy lives and maintain that lifestyle over time. Small lifestyle changes can positively impact the risks associated with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes.”
Diabetes: A Growing Epidemic
Diabetes is an epidemic in the United States. In the state of New Hampshire alone, one out three adults have prediabetes, but only 6.8% are aware of this. According to the CDC, 34.2 million children and adults in the United States have diabetes, with 7.3 million of those undiagnosed. An additional 88 million Americans have prediabetes. The cost of diabetes is also high, with total direct medical expenses in New Hampshire estimated at $940 million in 2017.
Program Success Stories
Program participants who have completed the program can speak to its success. “When I went to my primary care doctor, I was told I was borderline diabetic and that I should do something about it. I saw the advertising for this Y program - Diabetes Prevention -- and I said this is for me,” said Diane R. from Manchester. “The purpose of the program is to stabilize your sugar levels, but you're given the proper resources to help you. It's affected me 100%.”
Helpful Links and Contact Information
Cindy Lafond
Association Director of Health Interventions
603.232.8668 | clafond@graniteymca.org
About The Granite YMCA
As one of the state’s longest standing and most enduring non-profits, The Granite YMCA focuses on youth development, healthy living, social responsibility, and family strengthening. Across the state, its six branches engage 30,000 men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background – to improve their health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. In 2020, The Granite YMCA provided financial assistance and free services valued at just over $1 million to 5,144 individuals. To learn more, please visit www.graniteymca.org.
The preparation of this news release was financed under a Contract with the State of New Hampshire, Department of Health and Human Services, with funds provided in part by the State of New Hampshire and/or such other funding sources as were available or required, e.g., the United States Department of Health and Human Services.
