Kids & Family

South Mountain YMCA Offers Diabetes Prevention Tips

South Mountain YMCA recognizes National Diabetes Awareness Month.

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month, and the YMCA is encouraging residents to learn their risks for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes, and to take preventive steps to potentially reduce their chances of developing the disease.

Currently, one in three Americans (79 million people) has prediabetes, a condition in which a person’s blood glucose is elevated, but not high enough for a diabetes diagnosis. Only 11 percent of those with prediabetes know they have it. With awareness and simple actions, people with prediabetes may prevent the onset of diabetes.

Individuals can assess their risk for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes by taking a simple test at metroymcas.org/diabetes. Through this assessment, visitors can also learn how lifestyle choices and family history help determine the ultimate risk for developing the disease. Several factors that could put a person at risk for type 2 diabetes include: race, age, weight and activity level. If a person is at risk, a diabetes screening conducted by a physician can confirm a diabetes or prediabetes diagnosis.

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“As a leading voice on improving the nation’s health and well-being, the Y wants residents to understand their risk of developing chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes,” said Marcia Meehan, Executive Director, South Mountain YMCA. “Oftentimes, understanding that a person is at risk is the first step to making the necessary changes needed to live better, healthier lives.”

The South Mountain YMCA, a branch of the Metropolitan YMCAs of the Oranges is helping to improve health and well-being through the YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program.

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Making some basic lifestyle changes that contribute to weight loss and healthy living that 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.
  • Speak to your doctor about your diabetes risk factors, especially if you have a family history or are overweight.

To learn more about the Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges’ Diabetes Prevention Program, please contact Elizabeth Youngstein at 973-595-0100 or eyoungstein@metroymcas.org.


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