The YMCA of Delaware spreads awareness about the risks of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes
Wilmington, Delaware, March 22, 2021 – Wilmington, DE-What is March 23rd? Tuesday, March 23, is the American Diabetes Association Alert Day and the YMCA of Delaware wants residents in the state to know their risk of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes, as well as preventive steps they can take to reduce the chance of developing the disease.
Prediabetes is a condition in which individuals have blood glucose levels that are higher than normal, but not high enough to be classified as diabetes. Without appropriate intervention, people with prediabetes are on the road to developing type 2 diabetes and are also at increased risk for serious health problems such as stroke and heart disease. In the United States alone, diabetes affects over 30 million people; another 84 million Americans have prediabetes, yet only about 10 percent are aware of it.
The good news – Prediabetes often can be reversed through lifestyle changes such as increased physical activity and weight loss. The earlier people are diagnosed with prediabetes, the more likely that they can reverse it and prevent type 2 diabetes. The YMCA of Delaware encourages all adults to take a diabetes risk test at preventdiabetesde.org.
“ADA Alert Day can serve as a wake-up call for people to learn their risk for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes—conditions that are preventable if the proper steps are taken to improve health,” said Kat Luebke, Community Health Integration Program Director, YMCA of Delaware. “At the Y, we do our best to identify individuals who would benefit from for our Diabetes Prevention Program. To date, more than 2,500 people have participated in the program where they have learned to transform their habits to live healthier and happier lives.”
The YMCA of Delaware is helping people potentially reduce the risk of developing prediabetes or type 2 diabetes by offering the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program. The yearlong program focuses on achieving modest weight loss, healthy eating, and physical activity. Participants learn skills and create new habits, making small changes that have a lasting impact. To learn more, visit www.ymcade.org/preventdiabetes.
About the YMCA of Delaware
The YMCA of Delaware is Delaware’s largest nonprofit organization committed to empowering youth, fostering healthy living, and promoting strong communities. With seven branches statewide, a youth resource center, and an overnight camp and conference center in Worton, Maryland, the Y has developed longstanding relationships and a physical presence in Delaware so it can deliver lasting personal and social change. We are committed to serving everyone – regardless of age, income or background –nurturing the potential of every child and teen, improving Delaware’s health and wellbeing, and creating a healthy, inclusive community where all people reach their full potential. www.ymcade.org.
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