During National Diabetes Awareness Month, the South Shore YMCA is encouraging South Shore community members to learn their risks for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes and to take preventive steps to potentially reduce their chances of developing the disease.
Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that more than one in three Americans (84 million people) has prediabetes. Prediabetes is a condition in which a person’s blood glucose is elevated, but not high enough for a diabetes diagnosis. Only 10 percent of those with prediabetes know they have it but with awareness and simple actions, people with prediabetes may prevent the onset of diabetes.
“Prediabetes and type 2 diabetes are preventable conditions, but many people don’t know they are at risk, let alone the steps to take to avoid the disease,” said Katelyn Szafir, Medical Wellness Director, South Shore YMCA. “Fortunately, the Y is here to help, as developing type 2 diabetes impacts the lives of millions of people and their families each year.”
Individuals can assess their risk for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes by taking a simple test at YMCA.org/diabetes. Through this assessment, visitors can also learn how lifestyle choices and family history help determine the ultimate risk for developing the disease. Several factors that could put a person at risk for type 2 diabetes include race, age, weight, and activity level. If a person is at risk, a diabetes screening conducted by a physician can confirm a diabetes or prediabetes diagnosis.
The South Shore YMCA is helping to improve health through educational and physical activity programs for individuals living with pre-diabetes, diabetes and those caring for individuals with diabetes. We are proud to offer the My Life, My Health diabetes self-management program. Developed by Stanford University’s Medical Center, this 6-week program helps participants prevent, manage, and cope with diabetes and pre-diabetes. To learn more about this program, or to register, contact our Medical Wellness Nurse Jane Kisielius at jkisielius@ssymca.org.
Making some basic lifestyle changes that contribute to weight loss and healthy living can decrease the risk for type 2 diabetes. Among these are:
- Eat fruits and vegetables every day.
- Choose fish, lean meats and poultry without skin.
- Aim for whole grains with every meal.
- Be moderately active, getting at least 150 minutes of physical activity each week.
- Choose water to drink instead of beverages with added sugar.
- Speak to your doctor about your diabetes risk factors, especially if you have a family history or are overweight.
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About the South Shore YMCA
The South Shore YMCA is a not-for-profit association of individuals dedicated to improving the quality of life for all through programs that promote healthy spirit, mind, and body. Serving the communities of Quincy, Randolph, Holbrook, Weymouth, Braintree, Milton, Hingham, Hull, Cohasset, Scituate, Norwell, Hanover and beyond, the South Shore Y provides the opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive through its services and programs. Financial Assistance is a Y community benefit available to all families in need, applicable to all Y programs and services. To learn more about the South Shore YMCA, visit www.ssymca.org. The South Shore YMCA. The Better You Belongs Here.
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