Colleton County residents can work together to prevent type 2 diabetes with the PreventT2 lifestyle change program offered by Wellness Five through a virtual program offered free in Colleton County. Classes will begin Wednesday Oct. 28 at 4 p.m. Space is limited.
Guided by a trained lifestyle coach, groups of participants can learn the skills they need to make lasting changes, such as losing a modest amount of weight, being more physically active and managing stress. People with prediabetes higher-than-normal blood glucose (sugar) levels are 5-15 times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than those with normal blood glucose levels. In fact, many people with prediabetes can be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes within 5 years.
One in three American adults has prediabetes, so the need for prevention has never been greater, said Lisa Burbage of Wellness Five. The PreventT2 program offers a proven approach to preventing or delaying the onset of type 2 diabetes through modest lifestyle changes made with the support of a coach and ones peers.
Participants learn how to eat healthy, add physical activity to their routine, manage stress, stay motivated and solve problems that can get in the way of healthy changes. The program provides a supportive group environment with people who are facing similar challenges and trying to make the same changes. Together participants celebrate their successes and find ways to overcome obstacles.
PreventT2 is part of the National Diabetes Prevention Program, led by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The local program will meet virtually for the foreseeable future. The program will be held via Zoom on Tuesdays at 12 noon. The cost is free.
This was the first program I have tried that was a real lifestyle change and not a diet, said Sharon, a recent participant.
PreventT2 is based on research that showed that people with prediabetes who lost 5-7 percent of their body weight (10-14 pounds for a 200-pound person) by making modest changes reduced their risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 58 percent. Nationwide implementation of the program could greatly reduce future cases of type 2 diabetes, a serious condition that can lead to health problems including heart attack, stroke, blindness, kidney failure or loss of toes, feet, or legs.
Small changes can add up to a big difference, said Burbage. Working with a trained lifestyle coach who provides guidance, PreventT2 participants are making lasting changes together.
People are more likely to have prediabetes and type 2 diabetes if they:
Are 45 years of age or older
Are overweight
Have a family history of type 2 diabetes;
Are physically active fewer than three times per week
Have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes during pregnancy or gave birth to a baby weighing more than nine pounds.
According to SCDHEC, diabetes among adults ages 18 and over in Colleton County was 15% from 2017-2019 an estimated 4,402 adults.
To learn more about the program, call Lisa Burbage at 843-442- 8909 or lisaburbagewellnessfive@gmail.com.
Link:
Virtual program on prevention of diabetes begins Oct. 28 - Walterboro Live
