The statistics are alarming: an estimated 79 million Americans—including nearly 40,000 adults in Carroll, Haralson and Heard counties—have pre-diabetes, a dangerous condition that puts them at elevated risk of developing type 2 diabetes. That’s in addition to the 25 million Americans already diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
But the good news is that diabetes can often be prevented or delayed by maintaining a healthy weight and staying physically active.
Tanner Health System’s Get Healthy, Live Well initiative launched the Diabetes Prevention Program to help people in west Georgia avoid getting diabetes. The results have been dramatic so far.
The evidence-based lifestyle change program was developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to help people cut their risk of developing type 2 diabetes in half. Participants, many of whom are pre-diabetic or at high risk for developing diabetes, strive to lose 7 percent of their body weight and get 150 minutes of physical activity a week.
Tanner launched the program in west Georgia this January. Seven classes are currently meeting for one hour each week in a variety of locations across Carroll, Haralson and Heard counties. As of May 1, the initial 70 participants had lost a total of 529 pounds, and are continuing to consistently lose weight each week.
Due to the success of the first classes, Tanner recently trained a second group of certified lifestyle educators, who are gearing up to launch a new series of classes in early summer. A total of 29 lifestyle coaches have been trained in the last six months.
The Diabetes Prevention Program focuses on eating a healthier diet by reducing fat and calories and keeping a food journal. The classes also offer strategies for getting more physical activity. Meanwhile, the small-group setting provides support and motivation.
The Diabetes Prevention Program class meets weekly for 16 weeks and then monthly for six to eight months. A new series of classes will begin in summer 2014. Class schedules will be announced in early June. To place your name on the pre-registration list, call 770.214.CARE.
Tanner Health System’s Get Healthy, Live Well initiative is working to promote a healthy lifestyle and prevent chronic disease for residents of Carroll, Haralson and Heard counties by decreasing health disparities, reducing obesity rates, eliminating tobacco use, increasing physical activity and improving nutrition. The program is funded by a Community Transformation Grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
To learn more, visit www.gethealthylivewell.org/diabetes-prevention-program. Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GetHealthyLiveWell.