The numbers are surprising. About 96 million adults in the United States have prediabetes, and 8 out of 10 people don’t know they have it. That means 1 out of every 3 Americans is at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Know your risk level.
Knowing your risk is important. Learning about prediabetes today could help you stay healthier in the future.
Here’s the good news – type 2 diabetes can often be prevented!
Small changes can make a big difference. Getting more exercise, eating healthier foods, and losing a little weight can help reverse prediabetes. The YMCA can help you get started.
Join the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) today. You’ll find support, encouragement, and people who understand what you’re going through.
Together, you can build healthy habits and stay motivated.
Best of all, the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program is covered by most insurance plans.
TAKE THE RISK QUIZ GET STARTED
If you’re at risk for type 2 diabetes, the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program can help. You’ll learn how to make healthy changes that can lower your risk and help you feel your best.
In a small, supportive group, you’ll learn simple ways to eat healthier, be more active, and build healthy habits that last.
The program is based on research from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and is supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Studies show that people with prediabetes can lower their risk of developing type 2 diabetes by up to 58% by losing a small amount of weight, eating healthy foods, and staying active.
Program Cost
Many people can join the program at no cost through their health insurance. If you are paying on your own, the cost for the full year-long program is $500.
Financial assistance may be available. Contact us to learn more about eligibility and how to enroll.
The YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program is a one-year program that helps you make healthy changes and lower your risk of type 2 diabetes. It is offered in both English and Spanish, and you can join in person or online.
You will work with a trained Lifestyle Coach and a small group of people who have similar goals. Together, you will learn easy ways to improve your health, solve problems, and stay motivated.
The program starts with 16 weekly meetings. In these sessions, you will learn about healthy eating, being active, managing stress, solving challenges, and building healthy habits that last.
After the first 16 weeks, you will keep meeting during the rest of the year. Meetings happen every other week at first, and then once a month. This helps you stay on track and keep up your progress.
You will work toward two main goals:
- Losing 5% to 7% of your body weight
- Getting at least 150 minutes of physical activity each week
This program is backed by research from the CDC and NIH. It has helped thousands of people with prediabetes make healthy changes and lower their risk of type 2 diabetes by more than 50%.
To join the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program, you must meet all of these basic requirements:
- Be 18 years old or older
- Not be pregnant
- Be overweight (Body Mass Index of 25 or higher, or 23 or higher for Asian individuals)
- Not have type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, or end-stage kidney disease (ESRD)
You must also meet at least ONE of the following:
- A risk score of 9 or higher from a health risk test
- A blood test result that shows prediabetes or a diagnosis of prediabetes in the past year
- A1C level between 5.7% and 6.4%
- Fasting blood sugar between 100–125 mg/dL (for Medicare, 110–125 mg/dL)
- 2-hour blood sugar test between 140–199 mg/dL
- A past diagnosis of gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy)
*Medicare participants must have a qualifying blood test result to join the program.
What is prediabetes?
Prediabetes occurs when blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes. Without lifestyle changes, prediabetes can progress to type 2 diabetes.
How do I know if I have prediabetes?
Many people with prediabetes have no symptoms. You may qualify for the program if you have a qualifying blood test, a previous diagnosis of gestational diabetes (not currently pregnant), or a qualifying score on a diabetes risk assessment. Contact us to determine your eligibility.
What is the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program?
The YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program is a CDC-recognized, evidence-based lifestyle change program designed to help adults with prediabetes reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Participants learn practical strategies for healthy eating, physical activity, stress management, and long-term behavior change.
How long is the program?
The program lasts 12 months. It begins with 16 weekly sessions, followed by sessions every other week and then monthly meetings to help participants maintain healthy habits and stay on track.
How are classes offered?
The YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program is offered in both English and Spanish, with in-person and virtual options available.
What happens during the program?
Participants work with a trained Lifestyle Coach and a supportive group of peers. Sessions focus on topics such as healthy eating, increasing physical activity, managing stress, staying motivated, overcoming barriers, and building sustainable habits.
What are the goals of the program?
Participants work toward two primary goals:
- Losing 5% to 7% of their body weight
- Increasing physical activity to at least 150 minutes per week
These changes can significantly reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Does the program really work?
Yes. Research from the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that participants with prediabetes who made healthy lifestyle changes reduced their risk of developing type 2 diabetes by up to 58%.
Do I need to be a YMCA member to participate?
No. YMCA membership is not required to enroll in the Diabetes Prevention Program.
How much does the program cost?
Many participants qualify to enroll at no out-of-pocket cost through their health insurance provider. For those who do not have insurance coverage, self-pay and financial assistance options may be available. Contact us for current pricing and eligibility information.
Who is eligible to participate?
To qualify, participants must be 18 years or older, overweight based on BMI guidelines, not currently diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, and meet at least one additional eligibility requirement related to prediabetes risk or diagnosis.
How do I get started?
Getting started is easy. Complete the interest form and a member of our Community Health team will contact you to discuss eligibility, answer your questions, and help you enroll in an upcoming class.