The YMCA of Greater New Orleans is making efforts in the community to create awareness for chronic disease prevention, such as Diabetes Prevention. The Y wants residents of surrounding communities to be aware of their risk for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes and preventative steps they can take to reduce that risk. Currently, nearly 26 million Americans have diabetes and one in three (79 million) people have prediabetes, a condition where blood glucose is elevated, but not high enough for a diabetes diagnosis.
The nation’s struggle with obesity and type 2 diabetes is no surprise, but the amount of people with prediabetes is a growing issue that can be prevented or delayed with lifestyle changes such as healthy eating and physical activity. People with prediabetes are at risk for not only developing type 2 diabetes, but cardiovascular diseases, stroke and other conditions.
“Lifestyle changes can help prevent developing type 2 diabetes but the key is to recognize the risk and determine what needs to be done” said Kayne Daigle, YMCA Health, Well-being and Chronic Disease Specialist. “You don’t have to make the changes alone – the YMCA of Greater New Orleans can help through the YMCAs Diabetes Prevention Program.” This program will be offered this year in Algiers, Belle Chasse, and Metairie, and more information will be provided at the Y on March 26th-Diabetes Alert Day.
As one of the nation’s leading nonprofits dedicated to strengthening community through healthy living, the YMCA of Greater New Orleans is urging residents of Algiers, Belle Chasse, Metairie, and surrounding communities, to assess their risk for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes by visiting YMCA.net/diabetes. Individuals can learn how background and lifestyle choices help determine the ultimate risk for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. Several factors that could put a person at risk for type 2 diabetes include family history, age, weight and activity level, among others.
Some basic lifestyle changes that contribute to weight loss and healthy living can decrease the risk for type 2 diabetes. Among these are:
· eat fruits and vegetables every day;
· choose fish, lean meats, and poultry without skin;
· aim for whole grains with every meal;
· be moderately active at least 30 minutes per day five days a week;
· choose water to drink instead of beverages with added sugar; and
· speak to your doctor about your diabetes risk factors, especially if you have a family history of the disease or are overweight.
To learn more about the YMCA of Greater New Orleans and the YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program, please contact Kayne Daigle, Program Coordinator at 504-392-9622 or kayned@ymcaneworleans.org.