MASON CITY – The Cerro Gordo County Department of Public Health and the Mason City Family YMCA, with support from Mercy Medical Center North Iowa, are offering a program to help individuals at risk diabetes, prevent the disease. The Diabetes Prevention Program is a nationally recognized weight-loss program from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, proven to prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes through modest lifestyle changes made with the support of a coach and one’s peers.
People with prediabetes – higher-than-normal blood glucose (sugar) levels- are 5 to 15 times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than those those with normal blood glucose level. In fact, many people with prediabetes will develop type 2 diabetes within three years if they do not take steps to prevent it. To see if you are at risk for prediabetes, take our prediabetes screening test on our website.
“One in three American adults has prediabetes, so the need for prevention has never been greater,” said Karen Crimmings, Chronic Disease and Health Promotion Service Manager, Cerro Gordo County Department of Public Health.
Guided by a trained lifestyle coach, groups of participants will learn the skills they need to make lasting changes such as losing weight, being more physically active, and managing stress. In addition, they will learn how to eat healthy, stay motivated, and solve problems that can get in the way of healthy changes. The Diabetes Prevention Program groups meet weekly for six months, followed by six monthly maintenance sessions to assist with maintaining the healthy lifestyle changes they learn. The course is a one year commitment.
“I enjoyed the feeling of community with others facing the same challenges!” said one of the program’s participants. “I didn’t expect much from the program in the beginning. I had tried everything (or so I thought). But this program really works if you take it seriously”, said another participant.
The local course will be offered at the following times and locations:
- Wednesdays from 10AM – 11AM at the Cerro Gordo County Department of Public Health.
- Wednesdays from 5PM – 6PM at the Mason City Family YMCA.
The official classes begin on July 18th from 10-11AM and from 5-6PM.
The course is FREE (with a $100 refundable deposit) to at-risk participants. “Participants can earn back 100% of their deposit by simply showing up for classes,” explains Crimmings.
To take our prediabetes screening test, or to enroll in the course visit our website or call 641-421-9303. Orientation classes will be held on June 27th at 10AM and 5PM for participants to learn more about the program. Reserve your seat or enroll today to attend.
