National Kidney Foundation of Michigan Partners with 5 Healthy Towns to Offer Diabetes Prevention Program

DEXTER, MI – While many are familiar with type 2 diabetes, fewer are aware of prediabetes, a serious health condition that affects 2.6 million Michiganders (more than 1 in 3) and often leads to type 2 diabetes. To help curve this epidemic, the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan has partnered with 5 Healthy Towns to provide their My Choice. . . My Health: Diabetes Prevention Program in Dexter starting Sept. 12. My Choice. . . My Health is a 16-week program designed for those at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes, with the goal that participants will adopt and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

People with prediabetes — higher-than-normal blood glucose (sugar) levels, but not high enough yet to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes — are 5 to 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.

· 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; or

· Have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes during pregnancy or gave birth to a baby weighing more than 9 pounds.

“Prevention is key,” said National Kidney Foundation of Michigan Senior Vice President and Chief Science Officer Dr. Art Franke. “Research shows that once people are aware that they have prediabetes, they are much more likely to make the necessary lifestyle changes to prevent health risks, including type 2 diabetes, kidney disease, heart attack and stroke. We are bringing My Choice. . . My Health to several communities throughout metro Detroit because of the high levels of prediabetes in the area, and this proactive program has proven to make a difference.”

My Choice. . . My Health workshops are led by trained lifestyle coaches during weekly one-hour group sessions and eight monthly sessions that follow. 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’s group setting provides a supportive 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.

An information session for the My Choice. . . My Health: Diabetes Prevention Program in Dexter will be held on Monday, Sept. 12 from 6-7 p.m. at the Dexter Wellness Center located at 2810 Baker Rd., Dexter, MI 48130. The first session will begin on Monday, Sept. 19 at the same time and location. This My Choice. . . My Health workshop is supported by 5 Healthy Towns and will be offered at no cost to qualified participants.

For those who are interested in participating in a workshop, a doctor can tell you if you are at risk for diabetes, or you can find out your risk via the risk test at www.nkfm.org/dpp. This risk test will also be provided at the information session. To register and for a complete list of workshops, visit www.nkfm.org/dpp or contact the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan at 800-482-1455.