Did you know that 1 in 3 Americans (86 million) has prediabetes? What’s worse is that the majority of these people don’t even know that they have prediabetes—are you one of them? Additionally, nearly 29 million Americans have type 2 diabetes. Sadly, the CDC estimates that without making healthy diet and lifestyle changes, 15–30% of people with prediabetes will develop type 2 diabetes within 5 years. Thankfully, the Culver-Palms Family YMCA is starting a new session of the Diabetes Prevention Program on Wednesday, April 26 at 7:45pm, and there’s still time for you to join us!
We know that committing to a nearly year-long program and making healthy lifestyle and diet changes can be tough and that’s why we’re here to help. We’ve been offering the Diabetes Prevention Program since 2014 and our participants have had great success with the program, ranging from losing 7–12% of their starting body weight to getting rid of prediabetes altogether. There are many other benefits that participants frequently mention, thanks to the program. Some of these benefits include: more energy, better sleep, higher self-esteem, and the knowledge and determination to make healthier choices on a daily basis.
One of our current participants, Ellen, a retired nurse, shares her experience with the program:
I’ve lost 28 lbs. so far (in about 5 months).
Before starting the DPP, I ate high fat, high calorie foods on a daily basis. Breakfast was a donut and coffee at home or bacon and eggs 
with hash browns and toast in a cafe. I also freely used butter, cream cheese, and salad dressings. Dinner was frequently in a restaurant, and included Mexican dishes with lots of cheese and chips, cheeseburgers with fries, and pasta. Exercise was sporadic.
After enrollment in the program, I began tracking my food intake, and learning about the fat content of various foods. I was appalled to learn how much fat I had been eating! Lower fat and calorie alternatives were presented. Eating a healthy, balanced, low-fat diet was encouraged, rather than any particular diet regimen. I think that flexibility was the key to my success. Also, I increased my activity by walking most days.
The support of Christina and the group, coupled with the meetings motivated me to stay the course. Although I knew what I should be eating, I needed that extra boost. Beginning to lose weight was a real motivator, too.
As you can see, this is a GREAT program! We’d love to have you join us, so if you are interested, please email me, or give the YMCA a call at (310) 390-3604 to find out if you qualify and to learn how you can enroll in the program. Space is limited, so reserve your place in the program today!
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