One in three Americans has prediabetes, yet few realize they are at risk
November was National Diabetes Awareness Month, and the Portage Township YMCA is encouraging residents of Portage to learn their risks for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes and to take preventive steps to potentially reduce developing the disease. Currently, one in three Americans (79 million people) has prediabetes, a condition where a person’s blood glucose is elevated, but not high enough for them to be diagnosed with diabetes. With awareness and simple actions, people with prediabetes may prevent the onset of diabetes.
Individuals can assess their risk for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes by taking a simple test at YMCA.net/diabetes-prevention and learn how lifestyle choices help determine the ultimate risk developing the disease. Several factors that could put a person at risk for type 2 diabetes include family history, age, weight and activity level, among others. If a person is at risk, a diabetes screening conducted by a physician can confirm if a person has diabetes or prediabetes.
“The Y is dedicated to improving the nation’s health and well-being, and helping residents of Portage understand their risk of developing chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes is just one way we are improving the health of our community,” said Danny Gonzalez, St. Mary Medical Center Wellness Coordinator at the Portage Township YMCA, “Choosing to make healthy changes is the first step.”
The Portage Township YMCA can help through their many levels of fitness programs from the beginner to the seasoned exerciser. Zumba, Women on Weights, Boot Camp and Spin are just few of our classes which will increase your cardiovascular endurance. The Y’s partnership with St. Mary Medical Center takes education to the next level. FREE Community, Blood sugar screenings are performed several times a month. In addition, healthy cooking demonstrations by Chef Ryan from St. Mary Medical Center have inspired many in the community to learn to cook with healthy ingredients. St. Mary Medical Center offers free Diabetes Management programs to individuals who would like to learn how to manage their Diabetes. For class information or to learn more about the disease from a Certified Diabetes Educator, call Lisa Poradzisz at 219-947-6234.
While the nation’s obesity epidemic and the rise in type 2 diabetes are well chronicled, the number of people with prediabetes remains a growing and often underreported condition. Currently only 7 percent of those with prediabetes know they have it, and people with prediabetes are at serious risk for not only developing type 2 diabetes, but also heart disease, stroke and other conditions.
Below are some tips to help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. These changes contribute to weight loss and healthy living that can decrease the risk for type 2 diabetes. Among these are:
- Eat fruits and vegetables every day.
- Choose fish, lean meats, and poultry without skin.
- Aim for whole grains with every meal.
- Be moderately active at least 30 minutes per day five days a week.
- Choose water to drink instead of beverages with added sugar.
- Speak to your doctor about your diabetes risk factors, especially if you have a family history or are overweight.
To learn more about the Portage Township YMCA’s Healthy Living Programs, please contact Danny Gonzalez 762-9622 or e-mail danny@ymcaofportage.org.