In the United States alone, 29.1 million people suffer from diabetes and 86 million people have prediabetes. These statistics are alarming, and the impact on the cost of health care and the overall well-being of our communities makes preventing the number of new cases of type 2 diabetes more important than ever before.

The nation’s struggle with obesity and type 2 diabetes is no surprise but the number of people with prediabetes is a growing issue, especially when only 11 percent realize they have the condition. Prediabetes is a condition in which individuals have blood glucose levels that are higher than normal, but not high enough to be classified as diabetes. Often a preventable condition, people with prediabetes can reduce their risk for developing type 2 diabetes by adopting behavior changes that include eating healthier and increasing physical activity. People with prediabetes are at risk for not only developing type 2 diabetes, but also cardiovascular disease, stroke and other conditions.

As a leading voice on improving the nation’s health and well-being, the YMCA of Snohomish County encourages all adults learn their vulnerability for type 2 diabetes by taking a risk assessment at www.diabetes.org/risktest. Several factors that could put a person at risk for type 2 diabetes include family history, age, weight, and activity level, among others.

“Learning your risk for prediabetes and making lifestyles changes is easy to say, but oftentimes hard to do” said Andrea Weiler, Healthy Living Director, YMCA of Snohomish County. “The good news is that you don’t have to do this alone – the YMCA of Snohomish County can help through its Diabetes Prevention Program.”

If you are at risk for type 2 diabetes, the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program provides a supportive environment where you can work with others in a small group setting to learn how to adopt healthy habits to reduce your chances of developing the disease.

The program, which is led by a trained Lifestyle Coach in a classroom setting, is delivered over a 12-month period, beginning with 16 weekly sessions followed by monthly maintenance. You will learn strategies for eating healthier, increasing your physical activity and making other changes that will improve your overall health and well-being. National Institutes of Health research has proven that programs like the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program can reduce the number of cases of type 2 diabetes by almost 60%.

Register now for the fall Diabetes Prevention Program:

Marysville Branch
Start Date: October 28
Tuesdays 6:30-7:30 pm

Monroe/Sky Valley Branch
Start Date: October 9
Thursdays 6:30-7:30 pm

Everett Public Library
Main Downtown Branch
Start Date: October 29
Wednesdays 6:30-7:30 pm
* This event is not sponsored by the library

Mukilteo Branch
Start Date: November 5
Wednesdays 6:30-7:30 pm