In a classroom setting, a trained lifestyle coach will facilitate a small group of participants in learning about healthier eating, physical activity, and other behavior changes over 26 sessions. The year-long program consists of 16 weekly sessions and 4 sessions every other week during the first 6 months followed by 6 monthly sessions in the second 6 months.
Classes begin with no fewer than 8 participants and no more than 15 participants. If there is space in a newly formed class, you can join up to the 4th session.
By participating in this program, you will not only achieve and maintain a healthier lifestyle, but you will also:
- Gain a safe space. This program offers a space where you can feel comfortable sharing and learning in private.
- Make new friends. You will support each other as you all trade old habits for new, healthier ones.
- Work as a group. You don’t have to figure this out alone.
- Feel increased energy & confidence. You will feel the strong confidence that comes with losing weight and reducing your risk.
- Have flexibility. Begin the program when it’s convenient for you, even with the busiest schedule.
To help reduce your risk for diabetes, your goal during the first 6 months of the program is to:
- Reduce your body weight by 7% (example: if you weigh 200 lbs, your goal would be to lose 14 lbs)
- Increase physical activity by 150+ minutes per week (example: a 30-minute brisk walk 5 days per week)
- Losing weight, boosting your energy, and reducing your risk will improve your health for life!
To participate in the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be overweight (BMI ≥ 25)
- Be diagnosed with prediabetes via a blood test or gestational diabetes (If a blood test is not available, participants must have a qualifying risk score)
If you are not sure if you are at risk, download our Diabetes Prevention Program Brochure and fill out the risk test. If you score 5 or higher on this test, then you may be at risk for prediabetes or diabetes and therefore may qualify for the program. However, only your doctor can tell for sure if you have type 2 diabetes or prediabetes, a condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough for a type 2 diabetes diagnosis.
If you would like to register for this program, fill out our Diabetes Prevention Program Brochure and submit it to Cindy Lafond in any of the following ways:
- Via email to health@graniteymca.org
- Via Fax (HIPAA secure) at 978.616.4513
If you have questions or would like to learn more about the program, please contact Cindy Lafond, Executive Director of Health Interventions at 603.232.8668 or clafond@graniteymca.org.
