Diabetes prevention sessions Tuesday
By Phyllis Moore
Published in News on May 15, 2016 1:45 AM
One in three adults may be pre-diabetic, yet many don't realize it, officials say.
Considering the average patient diagnosed with the disease spends $14,000 a year in medical costs, education is key.
So in an effort to prevent it, or at least better educate those who may be prone to having it, the Goldsboro YMCA is introducing the Diabetes Prevention Program, or DPP, program next month. Two free information sessions will also be offered on Tuesday, at 10:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
Vanessa Spiron, health enhancement coordinator at the Y, said she was surprised by how prevalent the disease has become.
"Twenty-nine million Americans have diabetes, 86 million Americans have pre-diabetes, and 90 percent of those have no idea they are at risk," she said.
Registration is now open for the upcoming yearlong program. The class starts Monday, June 20, and will be held each Monday at 4 p.m. for the first 15 sessions. The remaining six sessions will be offered on a monthly basis.
A grant was provided to the Goldsboro YMCA to start the prevention program in this area, Mrs. Spiron said.
"This is a CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) approved curriculum," said Ashley Charles, who will conduct the sessions. "We're also working on being recognized through the CDC. The goal is for YMCAs to offer this national program."
She said she will serve as a lifestyle coach for the group sessions.
"I'm not just giving them information -- I'm asking questions, open-ended questions to open up the discussion," she said. "It's about them taking ownership of their own health."
The ideal number for the program will be eight to 12 participants, she said.
Hopefully, more classes will be offered in the future, Mrs. Spiron said.
"I think our goal is to start a new session every six months, but we're also working toward the capabilities of providing these at work sites for employers who want their employees to be healthier," she said.
The bottom line for the program is to assist residents in adopting healthier lifestyles -- becoming more active and making better food choices. Among the program's goals are to lose 5 to 7 percent body weight and increase physical activity to 150 minutes a week.
Ultimately, it will be about improving the quality of life, maybe even saving lives, and helping people get healthier, Mrs. Spiron said.
Some insurances may cover cost of the program. The YMCA recently received word that the N.C. State Health Plan allows coverage for state employees.
For those having to pay out of pocket, cost is $429, but since the YMCA offers a membership to those enrolled in the program, it is like getting the program free, Mrs. Spiron said.
"You don't have to have a YMCA membership to be in the program," Ms. Charles added.
At the same time, access to the facility and its services could prove beneficial to those working to prevent diabetes.
"Not only are they needing this advice, but they can have the resources, come to the Y and use the facility and pool," Ms. Charles said.
"We're excited about the DPP," Mrs. Spiron said "I think it's a much-needed program around here."
For more information, contact Ms. Charles at 919-778-8557 or e-mail [email protected].