YMCA's DPP is based on the landmark Diabetes Prevention Program funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which showed that by eating healthier, increasing physical activity and losing a small amount of weight, a person with pre-diabetes can prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes by 58%.

In a classroom setting, a trained lifestyle coach will help you change your lifestyle by learning about healthy eating, physical activity and other behavior changes over the course of 16 one-hour sessions. Topics covered include nutrition, getting started with physical activity, overcoming stress, staying motivated, and more. After the initial 16 core sessions, you will meet monthly for up to a year with select coaches for added support to help them maintain their progress.  Currently, maintenance sessions are offered at several centralized locations. 

Program Goals:
• Reduce body weight by 7 %
• Gradually increase physical activity to at least 150 minutes per week

Can I participate?
To qualify for the program, individuals must be overweight and at high risk for developing diabetes or overweight and have been diagnosed by a physician as someone with prediabetes.

Am I at risk?
• Your doctor can tell you if you are at risk. S/he can determine this through a blood test with one of the following results:
o Fasting plasma glucose between 100 – 125 mg/dL
o HbA1c between 5.7% and 6.4%
o Random blood glucose level of 240-199 mg/dL or higher
o Gestational diabetes

• A combination of risk factors such as family history, being overweight, elevated cholesterol, etc., may also put you at high risk. Call the YMCA’S Diabetes Prevention Program Director to find out if you are eligible.
 
Cost:
Y members: $150
All other individuals: $250
Financial assistance may be available for those who qualify.

To register or to find out if you are eligible, contact the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program Director at 602-212-6189.  Classes are available at various locations.  Additional sites to be added.

UnitedHealthcare members should check with their employer for program availability, or contact the Diabetes Prevention and Control Alliance to confirm eligibility at 1-800-237-4942.