Oswego Health is offering a free diabetes prevention program, Prevent T2 Diabetes, to assist community members who are pre-diabetic.
Community members who have prediabetes are encouraged to enroll and learn how to make important life style changes to improve their health status.
This evidence-based, year-long program starts November 8 at Springside at Seneca Hill, County Route 45A. Classes will be held from 5to 6 p.m. on Wednesdays. For the first six months, classes will be held weekly. After the initial six months, classes will be once or twice a month.
To register, please call Oswego Health Community Health Department at 349-5513.
This program curriculum was developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 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.
Teaching the class will be Oswego Health’s Certified Diabetes Educator Susan Callaway, RN, and Sarah Wansink, a licensed practical nurse. Participants will learn the skills they need to make lasting changes such as losing a modest amount of weight, being more physically active and managing stress.
People with prediabetes — higher-than-normal blood glucose (sugar) levels are five to 15 times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than those with normal blood glucose levels. In fact, many individuals with prediabetes can be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes within five years.
“One in three American adults has prediabetes, so the need for prevention has never been greater,” said Oswego Health’s Director of Community Health Programs Brenda LaMay, NP. “The PreventT2 program offers a proven approach to preventing or delaying the onset of type 2 diabetes through modest lifestyle changes made with the support of a coach and one’s peers.”