As the prediabetes rate continues to rise, few Door County residents know they are at risk
November is National Diabetes Awareness Month, and the
Door County YMCA is encouraging residents of Door County to learn their risks
for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes, and to take preventive steps to
potentially reduce their chances of developing the disease.
New 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. With awareness and simple actions, people with prediabetes may prevent the onset of diabetes.
“As the number of new people with
prediabetes continues to rise, it is important residents of Door County understand
what a prediabetes diagnosis means, and options available to reverse course,”
said Mary Claire McHugh, Senior Program and Healthy Living Director, of the
Door County YMCA. “Fortunately, simple lifestyle changes can greatly reduce the
risk of developing type 2 diabetes and the Y can help people make the necessary
changes to improve health.”
Assisting in helping individuals decrease their risk
of becoming diabetic is a priority for the Door County YMCA as we work to
improve the overall health of our community. We off all current members, and
those considering becoming a member, a free jumpstart consultation where we sit
down individually and review their medical history, discuss their goals and
help to create a program to become more active that also matches their
particular interests. Follow up consultation are also available to all members
as we work to provide encouragement and assistance to those needing helping in
their journey to well being
We are always there to help our members make basic
lifestyle changes that contribute to weight loss and decrease the risk of type
2 diabetes. Some changes that everyone can make include:
·
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 Door County YMCA’s Healthy
Living Programs please contact the Sturgeon Bay Program Center at 920.743.4949
or the Northern Door Program Center at 920.868.3660.
