March 28 is American Diabetes Association Alert Day and the Rye YMCA is urging everyone to take action to prevent the disease. An estimated 86 million Americans have prediabetes, yet only about 10 percent are aware of it.
Prediabetes is a condition in which blood glucose (sugar) levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be classified as diabetes. People with prediabetes are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
“Studies show that people with prediabetes can prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes by eating healthier and increasing physical activity,” noted Tanya Stack, the Rye Y’s Director of Membership, Health, and Wellness. “Our Prevention Program can provide the support needed to make those lifestyle changes.”
The YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program is an evidence-based, yearlong, small group program where participants learn about behavior changes that can improve overall health. Working in partnership with Open Door Family Medical Centers and Hudson River Healthcare, the Rye Y offers classes in Spanish and English at locations in Rye, Port Chester, Ossining, Peekskill, and Yonkers.
Program participant Fernanda Carillo remarked, “As my lifestyle coach always reminds us, we are not on a diet; we are making life long changes for our health. I have lost over 20 pounds. I am so thankful for the program. Now I am an active, healthy person.”
To learn more about the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program or enroll in an upcoming class, contact Tanya Stack at tanya@ryeymca.org or 967-6363, ext. 107.
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Fernanda Carillo, a participant in the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program, with Rye Y Community Health Worker Heidy Barros
