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Community Corner

YMCA of the East Bay Offers Program to Keep those with Prediabetes Healthy

Program is Proven to Reduce the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes in Those High-Risk

East Bay Area, CA, September 24, 2013 – The YMCA of the East Bay is taking steps to reduce the burden of diabetes in their communities by offering the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program – an innovative program proven to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes in those at high risk of developing the disease by helping them take steps that will improve their overall health and well-being. The launch of the program in Oakland is made possible by a grant from the Sam’s Club Giving Program.

The YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program provides a supportive environment where participants work together in a small group to learn about healthier eating, and increasing their physical activity in order to reduce their risk for developing diabetes. The evidence-based program is delivered to small groups of 8-12 people over a 12-month period, with 16 weekly core sessions then monthly maintenance. The goals of the program are to reduce and maintain individual weight loss by at least 7 percent and to increase physical activity to 150 minutes per week. It is classroom based and can be offered in any community setting.

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“Providing support and opportunities that empower people to be healthy and live well is part of the YMCA’s mission,” said Robert Wilkins, President & CEO of the YMCA of the East Bay. “The lifestyle choices learned through the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program not only reduce risk for type 2 diabetes, but also create lifelong changes in the way that individuals approach health and well-being.” 

“According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, diabetes is actually the seventh leading cause of death in the United States. The Y is happy to provide these programs as a resource to educate our communities on how not to become a part of these statistics,” Wilkins added.

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Based on the national Diabetes Prevention Program study led by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the program reduces the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 58%.  Researchers at Indiana University School of Medicine were able to replicate the successful results of the national DPP with the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis.  Unlike the national DPP research study, which was conducted with individuals one-to-one, the YMCA’s program is conducted in a group setting.

The research by the Indiana University researchers also demonstrated that the YMCA could effectively deliver a group-based lifestyle intervention for about 75 percent less than the cost of the original DPP.  This research also highlighted the ability of the Y to take the program to scale nationally. Just two years ago only two Ys offered this program. Today, more than 50 Ys in 26 states are offering it in their communities.

“We now have proof that lifestyle interventions delivered through community-based organizations such as the Y can save lives and health care dollars,” said Lauren Hendler, Associate Health & Wellness Director, YMCA of the East Bay. “We are grateful to Sam’s Club Giving Program for the opportunity to bring this important program to the YMCA of the East Bay.”

All individuals with a BMI over 24 and who have two additional risk factors or have been diagnosed with prediabetes are eligible. 

YMCA of the USA, the national resource office for the nation’s 2,700 YMCAs, is working with CDC, Diabetes Prevention and Control Alliance and other organizations to expand the program to as many communities as possible nationwide. The program will be available to community members in Oakland beginning next month.

Call Lauren Hendler, Associate Health & Wellness Director, YMCA of the East Bay for information about availability and eligibility requirements: (510) 318-7670

About the East Bay Y System: 

The YMCA of the East Bay is one of Northern California's largest non-profit trainers and deployers of volunteers.  Last year the East Bay YMCA trained more than 500 volunteers in programs ranging from childcare to teen enrichment, health and wellness and cultural harmony.  With nine branches and almost 50 childcare centers in operation from Fremont to the Yolo County, the East Bay YMCA Association also has the largest geographic reach of any YMCA operation in North America.  Formed as a 501 (c) (3) corporation on July 20, 1879, the not-for-profit East Bay YMCA operates branches in downtown Oakland, Fremont, Newark, Hayward, Castro Valley, Richmond, and Dublin, as well as camps in Livermore, Pescadero (San Mateo County) and Redway (Humboldt County).  All locations are for youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.

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