Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) Changes Lives

According to the Centers for Disease Control, around 96 million American adults are prediabetic. That’s more than one-third of adults, and over 80% of those with prediabetes aren’t aware of it.

Prediabetes is a condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be diagnosed as Type 2 diabetes. Prediabetes can turn into Type 2 diabetes, but it can be managed through healthy eating and exercise. Yakima Valley Memorial’s Diabetes Prevention Program helps prediabetic patients lower their risk of Type 2 diabetes.

The program focuses on helping participants lose 7% of their body weight and get 150 minutes of exercise per week. By providing accountability and education, DPP gives participants the tools they need to succeed.

Participants meet in groups with a trained lifestyle coach. Classes are one hour each week for 16 weeks, with monthly follow-up sessions for another six months. The curriculum includes cooking lessons to promote healthy eating. Because the classes are held in groups, members support each other and hold each other accountable.

Anyone at risk of prediabetes can register for the class, which costs $50. Scholarships are available from The Memorial Foundation, thanks to support from donors. How do you know if the Diabetes Prevention Program is for you?

• Are you overweight?

• Do you have family members with diabetes?

• Have you had gestational diabetes during pregnancy, or did any of your babies weigh more than 9 pounds at birth?

• Have you ever been told you have high blood sugar, prediabetes, or borderline diabetes?

If you answered yes to any of the questions above, you could be at risk for Type 2 diabetes, and the Diabetes Prevention Program may be a good fit for you.

Thank you to our donors who sponsor this and other Healthy Yakima programs! Your commitment to improving our community’s health makes a real difference in people's lives. If you would like to get involved or donate, visit our website.