Taylor Family YMCA's Diabetes Prevention Program taking action and changing the odds

Taylor Family YMCA in Elgin will offer the YMCA's Diabetes Prevention Program, an innovative program proven to reduce the burden of type 2 diabetes, beginning Tuesday, May 8.

The YMCA's Diabetes Prevention Program uses the Centers for Disease Control-approved curriculum and is part of the CDC-led National Diabetes Prevention Program. The year-long program will meet on Tuesdays from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

The program consists of 16 weekly sessions and three sessions every other week during the first six months followed by six monthly sessions in the second six months.

A trained lifestyle coach helps participants learn tactics for healthy eating, physical activity and other lifestyle changes. The goals during the program are to reduce body weight by 7 percent and to increase physical activity to 150 minutes per week during the first half of the program.

The program is held in a group setting led by a trained lifestyle coach. Programs like the YMCA's Diabetes Prevention Program have been shown to prevent or delay new cases of type 2 diabetes by 58 percent and as much as 71 percent in adults over the age of 60.

"Currently, 86 million people - more than 1 out of 3 adults - have prediabetes, but only 10 percent are aware of it," said Dave Burisek, Taylor Family YMCA's Executive Director.

"Knowing your risk for prediabetes is the key to taking control and reducing these statistics. The YMCA's Diabetes Prevention Program empowers participants to make lasting lifestyle changes that will improve their overall health and reduce their chance of developing Type 2 diabetes," he explained.

The YMCA's program is funded by a grant from AMITA Health, the YMCA'S Diabetes Program Partner. AMITA Health is a Joint Operating Company formed by Adventist Midwest Health, based in Hinsdale, Ill., and Alexian Brothers Health System, based in Arlington Heights, Ill., encompassing nine hospitals and an extensive physician provider network of more than 3,000 physicians. AMITA Health is committed to delivering the most efficient, highest quality, faith-based care possible and respecting the faith traditions of all people.

Nationally, the cost per person for the YMCA's Diabetes Prevention Program is $429. Thanks to the partnership with AMITA Health, the YMCA's program will cost participants $100, with additional financial aid and subsidies available to qualified participants.

Anyone with questions regarding the YMCA's Diabetes Prevention Program should contact Kelly Wemken, YMCA's Diabetes Prevention Program Coordinator, at (847) 888-7410, ext. 229, or kellyw@gcfymca.org.