Meet Rebecca, one of the participants in the first
class of the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program. “For years I sat on the
side-line and watched everyone else enjoy life” says Rebecca. “I couldn’t even
take my daughter to Disney World because I knew I wouldn’t fit in the rides,
much less, be able to walk around the park.” In a one-income family, Rebecca
knew she couldn’t afford a gym membership and didn’t know how to take the first
step. But all that changed when a co-worker told her about the YMCA’s Diabetes
Prevention Program.
So far, Rebecca has lost 85 lbs and she credits all her
success to the YMCA. “The biggest change has been how I feel. Now I can conquer
anything and seize new opportunities – I’m so much more confident and positive.
It’s helped me become the person I was meant to be, and I’m not hiding her
anymore.”
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Early results indicate YMCA's diabetes prevention program is changing lives
Rebecca is taking her daughter to Disney World for the
first time this year. “I’m not a burden to my daughter anymore. Food was
controlling us, and now our whole family is involved in getting healthier and
they love it.” Rebecca is just one of 84 participants having remarkable success
at the YMCA.
Early results from the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention
Program indicate that it is extremely effective at lowering blood glucose
levels and preventing the onset of type 2 diabetes for at-risk adults.
Participants from the first class that started 6 months ago have lowered their
BMI by 11% and lowered their fasting glucose levels nearly 16%.
The program is getting significant positive feedback
and support from health care professionals – community health partners
including area physicians, PA’s, nurses, and other practitioners have referred over half of the current
participants. In fact, the YMCA just honored Dr. Adam Kinninger, McDowell
Hospital’s new Chief of Staff, with the Champion of Health Award for his
support and dedication to this program. “About 60% of our physician referrals
come from Dr. Kinninger’s office – he and his staff are dedicated to getting
people healthy the right way” says Meghan Merritt, Director of the YMCA’s
Diabetes Prevention Program.
The YMCA of Western North Carolina was recently awarded
a grant of $25,000 from the Mission Foundation which will further the efforts
of the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program in McDowell County. The YMCA’s
Diabetes Prevention Program is part of the National Diabetes Prevention Program
(DPP) led by the National Institutes of Health, in collaboration with the
Centers for Disease Control (CDC), which showed that lifestyle changes and
modest weight reduction can prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes by 58
percent among those with pre-diabetes.
“We now have proof that lifestyle interventions
delivered through community-based organizations such as the Y can save lives
and health care dollars,” said Tim Blenco, Executive Community Director of the
Corpening Memorial YMCA. The goals of the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program
are to reduce and maintain individual weight loss by at least 7 percent and to
increase physical activity to 150 minutes per week. The program provides a
supportive environment where participants work together in a small group to
learn about healthier eating and increasing their physical activity in order to
reduce their risk for developing diabetes.
McDowell County alone has over 6,000 people at risk of
developing type 2 diabetes. Traditionally prevention programs like this are
expensive and out of reach for most county residents, but thanks to the grant
money received, the Y can promise accessibility to all. Preventing diabetes not
only saves lives, but prevents a huge medical expense to our community. If all
84 participants from this first year are successful in preventing the onset of
type 2 diabetes, we will have saved our community over 1 million dollars in
medical expenses this year alone. “Providing support and opportunities that
empower people to be healthy and live well is part of the YMCA’s charitable
purpose” says Blenco.
With the support of the Kate B. Reynolds Charitable
Trust, the Mission Foundation, CDC, and the supporters of the YMCA’s Healthier
Communities Campaign, the Y stands to reduce the burden of type 2 diabetes, one
of our community’s most prevalent and costliest diseases. “With CDC’s recent
prediction of an increase in type 2 diabetes rates, it’s of the utmost
importance that we do all we can to help the thousands of individuals with pre-diabetes
in McDowell county prevent the onset of the disease to live healthy, happy and
more productive lives” said Blenco.
Rebecca Ervin is living proof – “It’s changed my whole
life and I’m never going back.”
The Y will be offering classes as often as possible to
ensure those in need can participate. Those at risk for type 2 diabetes, or who
have been diagnosed with pre-diabetes, may talk to their doctor, call the YMCA
at 828-659-9622, or go online for more information.
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