During National Diabetes Awareness Month the Meriden YMCA Focuses on Prevention
As the prediabetes rate continues to rise, few Meriden residents know they are at risk
During National Diabetes Awareness Month, the Meriden YMCA is encouraging residents of our community to learn their risks for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes, and to take preventive steps to potentially reduce their chances of developing the disease.
Statistics for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that one in four Americans (86 million people) 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 number of new people with prediabetes continues to rise and with that the importance of helping Meriden residents of understand what a prediabetes diagnosis means,” said Carrie Marquardt], Health and Wellness Director, Meriden YMCA. “Type 2 diabetes affects not just the person but entire families as well, but the good news is that it is possible to reverse course—simple lifestyle changes reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and the Y can help people make the necessary changes to improve health.”
Individuals can assess their risk for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes by taking a simple test at YMCA.net/diabetes. Through this assessment, visitors can also learn how lifestyle choices and family history help determine the ultimate risk for developing the disease. Several factors that could put a person at risk for type 2 diabetes include race, age, weight and activity level. If a person is at risk, a diabetes screening conducted by a physician can confirm a diabetes or prediabetes diagnosis.
The Meriden YMCA is helping to improve our community's health through our Biggest Winner Weight Loss Challenge, PACE program to fight childhood obesity, Cardiac Rehab program which also focuses in diabetes, and all our healthy living programs (Cooking Light, and numerous exercise classes and programs.)
Meriden YMCA members such as Bill Langevin who is involved in our programs and the MidState Medical Center’s Diabetes Program have lost weight, improved their health and in some cases reduced or eliminated medications.
Making some basic lifestyle changes that contribute to weight loss and healthy living 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 Meriden YMCA’s healthy living programs, please contact Carrie Marquardt at 203-235-6386 x18 or cmarquardt@meridenymca.org.
About the Meriden YMCA
The Meriden YMCA exists to strengthen our community, engaging men, women and children - regardless of age, income, or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, help people understand and improve their health, and provide opportunities to give back and support our neighbors.
About the Y
The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Across the U.S., 2,700 Ys engage 22 million men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Anchored in more than 10,000 communities, the Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change. ymca.net