FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MEDIA CONTACT: Joyce Williams
734-222-9800, ext. 216
jwilliams@nkfm.org
The Diabetes Prevention Program can reduce the risk, delay the onset or even prevent type 2 diabetes
Dexter, MICH. – (January 19, 2018) – While many are familiar with type 2 diabetes, fewer are aware of prediabetes, a serious health condition that affects 2.6 million Michiganders (more than 1 in 3) and often leads to type 2 diabetes. To help curb this epidemic, the Diabetes Prevention Center, a division of the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan, has partnered with 5 Healthy Towns to provide theDiabetes Prevention Program (DPP) in Dexter:
Dexter Wellness Center
2810 Baker Rd., Dexter, MI 48130
Information session: Monday, February 19, 2018, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
First class: Monday, March 5, 2018, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
This workshop is covered by various funders and insurers and is available to all eligible participants at no cost. Details will be available at the information session.
The evidence-based Diabetes Prevention Program is a yearlong program designed for people with prediabetes or at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes, with the goal that participants will adopt and maintain a healthy lifestyle. The workshop is covered by various funders and insurance programs. More information will be available at the information session.
Diabetes Prevention Programworkshops are led by trained lifestyle coaches during weekly one-hour group sessions and eight monthly sessions that follow. Participants learn how to eat healthy, add physical activity to their routine, manage stress, stay motivated, and solve problems that can get in the way of healthy changes. The program’s group setting provides a supportive environment with people who are facing similar challenges and trying to make the same changes. Together, participants celebrate their successes and find ways to overcome obstacles.
“Among the program’s many strengths are the enthusiastic instructors who lead the meetings and are available in between to encourage and answer questions,” states Dexter resident Mary Jo Frank, who successfully finished the DPP in July 2016. “Another strength is excellent, easy-to-understand written materials on topics ranging from portion control and reading labels to managing stress and avoiding negative self-talk.”
To find out if you may have prediabetes or if you are at risk for it, you can:
- ask your doctor to tell you if you are at risk for diabetes;
- find out your risk via the risk test at www.nkfm.org/dpp; or
- find out about your risk by calling the Diabetes Prevention Center at 800-482-1455.
The risk test will also be provided at the information session. To register or for more information, visit www.nkfm.org/dpp or call 800-482-1455.
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About the Diabetes Prevention Center
The Diabetes Prevention Center, a division of the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan (NKFM), offers the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) throughout Michigan to prevent type 2 diabetes and reduce the risk of chronic kidney disease. The NKFM’s DPP, which was the first in Michigan to receive full recognition from the CDC’s Diabetes Prevention Recognition Program, has received its fourth consecutive certification of full recognition. The NKFM has also been recognized for its success in sound fiscal management by receiving a 4-star rating, 10 years in a row from Charity Navigator, the nation’s largest and most-utilized evaluator of charities. nkfm.org
As a nonprofit that offers health services and education to many at-risk populations, the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan is committed to everyone having access to health care. To apply for health care coverage, including Medicaid, go online to www.mibridges.michigan.gov, call 1-855-789-5610 or visit your local Department of Health and Human Services office.
More info on Diabetes and Prediabetes:
Prediabetes is a serious health condition that affects 2.6 million Michiganders (more than 1 in 3) and often leads to type 2 diabetes. People with prediabetes — higher-than-normal blood sugar levels, but not high enough yet to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes — are 5 to 15 times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than those with normal blood sugar levels. Many people with prediabetes may be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes within 5 years.
People are more likely to have prediabetes if they:
- Are 45 years of age or older;
- Are overweight;
- Have a family history of type 2 diabetes;
- Are physically active fewer than three times per week; or
- Have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes during pregnancy or gave birth to a baby weighing more than 9 pounds.
People with prediabetes often have no symptoms.