YMCA of Delaware

Could the 1 in 3 be you?

The numbers are shocking – 96 million American adults have prediabetes and 80% don’t know they have it. That means 1 in 3 Americans is at risk for developing type 2 diabetes and has no idea. Know your risk level. When it comes to prediabetes, knowledge isn’t just power, it could change the course of your life.

What is prediabetes?

A diagnosis of prediabetes means a person’s blood glucose level is higher than normal, yet not high enough to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. People with prediabetes are on the road to developing type 2 diabetes and are at increased risk for serious health problems such as stroke and heart disease.

Type 2 diabetes is a condition that happens because of a problem in the way the body regulates and uses sugar as a fuel. This long-term condition results in too much sugar circulating in the blood. Eventually, high blood sugar levels can lead to disorders of the circulatory, nervous and immune systems.

Not sure if you are at risk? Don’t wait until it is too late to find out.

You can have prediabetes for years with no clear symptoms.  These symptoms can go undetected until it becomes diabetes. Don’t let diabetes sneak up on you or your loved ones.

Take this quiz.

There are many factors that put you at risk including weight, age, family history, a diet high in sugar and processed foods, lack of physical activity and gestational diabetes. You may be surprised to know that even people who appear to be physically fit can be at risk.  Take the YMCA risk quiz today and talk to your doctor about getting your blood tested, the only true way to measure.

Here’s the good news – type 2 diabetes can often be prevented!

It’s not as hard as you think. With a little exercise and a change in diet, prediabetes often can be reversed.

• Don’t do it alone – join a Diabetes Prevention Program – You don’t have to do it on your own. Consider signing up for a class like the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program. There you will find a supportive group that understands your struggles and will help keep you motivated. The best part – the Y’s Diabetes program is covered by most insurance providers so there are no out-of-pocket costs for you!

Let’s face it…

There are millions of reasons why we don’t find the time to make healthy lifestyle choices: kids, jobs, cat videos on the Internet — we’re busy. But whatever your reason, prediabetes is real and now is the time to take action. After all, you only have one body. Get started on the right path today, and your future self will thank you.

• Lose weight – just a little is often all that is needed – If you have prediabetes and are overweight, losing a small amount (5 – 7 % of your body weight) can make a big difference.
• Get physical – Getting at least 150 minutes a week of brisk walking or a similar activity will put you on the right path. That’s just 30 minutes a day, five days a week. You can totally do that!
• Don’t do it alone – join a Diabetes Prevention Program – You don’t have to do it on your own. Consider signing up for a class like the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program. There you will find a supportive group that understands your struggles and will help keep you motivated. Plus, you may learn a thing or two along the way.
• Get an accountability partner – Studies show that having an accountability partner works. Find a family member or friend and get moving together. Go on walks, cook together and check in daily to ensure you are both staying on track.
• Be your own cheerleader and don’t beat yourself up.
• Reward Yourself – Living an active life shouldn’t be only about pushing yourself and sacrificing things you love. Enjoy life and the process… and of course, the cat videos.
• Be patient – Results take time. Trust the process and keep going. Remember, for every pound you lose, it takes 4 lbs. of pressure off your knees and 6 lbs. off your hips. Consistency and nutrition are the keys to your success.

To find out if you are at risk for diabetes, or to learn more about the YMCAs Diabetes prevention program, visit www.ymcade.org/preventdiabetes.

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