The YMCA of Metuchen, Edison, Woodbridge and South Amboy is offering 15 slots, free of charge, in the next session of the YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program, to people who are at risk to develop Type 2 diabetes. Residents who are currently enrolled in Medicaid or are eligible for Medicaid may enroll in this year-long program and receive a YMCA membership free of charge. The YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program is funded by two grants from the YMCA of the USA, the program is part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Diabetes Prevention Program and has proved successful at reducing the risk of developing the disease, according to the Department of Health and Human Services.
Jessica Nasto, facilitator of the YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program, said the program helps those at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles. “The program provides assistance for those at risk to learn about eating healthier, increasing physical activity and losing weight to reduce their chance of developing the disease,” she said, adding that the program is led by a trained lifestyle coach in a classroom setting, over a 12-month period. It begins with 16 weekly sessions, followed by meetings once a month.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in four Americans or 86 million, have prediabetes, up from 79 million in 2010. Prediabetes is a condition in which a person’s blood glucose is elevated, but not high enough for a diabetes diagnosis. Only 10 percent of those with prediabetes know they have it but with awareness and simple actions, people with prediabetes may prevent the onset of diabetes.
The next sessions of the YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program will begin in September; one session will be held in South Amboy with another session being held in Edison. Registration for the 15 free slots is needed before Aug. 15. For those not receiving Medicaid the program cost may be covered by other health insurance. Participants may also be eligible for YMCA financial assistance.
Participants do not need to be members of the Y to enroll.
For more information about the program, financial assistance, or to see if you qualify, contact [email protected].