November is National Diabetes Awareness Month, and the YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties is encouraging Pierce and Kitsap County residents to understand their risks for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes and steps to take to prevent the disease through programs like the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program: Prevent T2.
Following a year of reduced activity due to COVID-19, statistics show prediabetes rates are on the rise. Currently, 88 million American adults (more than 1 in 3) have prediabetes but less than 16 percent know they have the condition. In addition to the high risk of developing type 2 diabetes, people with prediabetes are also at risk of developing other chronic diseases such as heart disease and stroke. Without weight loss and moderate physical activity, 15 to 30 percent of people with prediabetes will develop type 2 diabetes within five years.
During National Diabetes Awareness Month, we encourage all community members to take control of their health and learn their risk for type 2 diabetes by visiting ymca.org/diabetes and take steps to prevent developing the disease.
A new study from the University of Michigan revealed that over one third of Americans put off healthcare during the pandemic. This makes it more imperative than ever for community members to be aware of the health risks of prediabetes. The YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program provides a safe and supportive environment where people can learn to change behaviors and potentially decrease chances of developing prediabetes or type 2 diabetes.
Learn more about or sign up for our Diabetes Prevention Program: Prevent T2.