Healthy Lifestyle

Lower your risk of diabetes with Northern Dutchess

Happy senior couple riding bikes

03/25/2024

You can prevent type 2 diabetes. Take charge of your health and make a change with Northern Dutchess Hospital’s CDC-led National Diabetes Prevention Program. 

 

Did you know that one in three adults have prediabetes and most of them don’t even know they have it? Disregarding healthy eating habits and lifestyle changes could cause those with prediabetes to develop type 2 diabetes within five years. Discover how Northern Dutchess Hospital’s Diabetes Prevention Program can lower your risk of type 2 diabetes. 

 

What is the Diabetes Prevention Program?

 

Northern Dutchess Hospital has partnered with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National Diabetes Prevention Program to help people in our community prevent or lower their risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

 

If you have prediabetes or other risk factors for type 2 diabetes, join our program to learn how to make better choices for your overall health and become a healthier version of yourself!

 

What is diabetes?

 

Diabetes is a condition that affects how your body turns food into energy due to high blood sugar levels. Over time, diabetes can lead to serious health problems affecting your heart, eyes, feet and more. Luckily, there are steps you can take to take charge of your health and prevent type 2 diabetes.

 


Do I qualify for the Diabetes Prevention Program?

 

Participants must be prediabetic either with elevated A1C levels (5.7-6.4) or through this prediabetes risk test developed by the CDC highlighting certain commonalities of prediabetes.  

 

What is the difference between prediabetes and type 2 diabetes?

 

Prediabetes is when your blood sugar is higher than normal but not high enough to be considered type 2 diabetes. 

 

Prediabetes can go undetected for years. Talk to your primary care doctor about A1C and blood sugar testing if any of the following applies to you: 

  • You’re 45 years or older

  • You’re overweight

  • You’re physically active less than three times per week

  • Have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

  • Have/had gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy) or gave birth to a baby weighing more than 9lbs

 

 

Type 2 diabetes is when your blood sugar is frequently high. Your body doesn’t correctly process insulin or make enough of it to distribute the sugar in your blood to your cells. 

 

Type 2 diabetes symptoms develop over several years and often go unnoticed. If you experience any of the following, see your primary care doctor about having your blood sugar tested: 

  • Increased thirst and hunger

  • Numbness or tingling in your hands or feet

  • Frequent urination

  • Blurry vision

  • Dry skin

  • Slow healing sores

 

 

How do I know if I’m at risk for type 2 diabetes? 

 

You are at risk for type 2 diabetes if you are 45 years or older, overweight, inactive, have a family history of diabetes or have experienced gestational diabetes. Type 2 diabetes can pose serious health problems such as heart disease, neuropathy and kidney failure. 

 

 

If you have prediabetes or other risk factors for type 2 diabetes, join Northern Dutchess Hospital’s Diabetes Prevention Program to explore new ways to bolster heart health and learn how to make better choices for your overall health. 

 

How can I prevent type 2 diabetes?

 

If you have prediabetes or are at risk for type 2 diabetes, Northern Dutchess Hospital’s National Diabetes Prevention Program can help get your health on the right track. The CDC-approved approach can help prevent or delay type 2 diabetes with guidance and support for lifestyle changes and healthy eating habits. The guidance of this program has helped participants cut their risk of type 2 diabetes in half! 

 

If you already have prediabetes and are overweight, adding physical activities like walking or bike riding into your daily routine can help you lose weight and lower your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. 

 

 

What should I expect during each Diabetes Prevention class?

 

Each class is one hour long and there is no cost to attend. Meetings provide access to trained lifestyle coaches, group support, CDC-approved handouts and other resources to help participants make healthy changes. 

 

The program is led by nutrition counselor, Roufia Payman and exercise trainer, Marie Monroe. Together they educate participants with similar goals and challenges on healthy eating habits, lifestyle changes and exercises to stay active. Each class is an open forum for everyone to share their ideas, celebrate successes, work to overcome obstacles, share tasty recipes and so much more!

 

 

How do I register for the Diabetes Prevention Program?

 

For more information or to register, call (845) 871-3318 or email marie.monroe@nuvancehealth.org. Registration via phone is required for participants to receive instructions for Zoom meetings and other important details. TTY/Accessibility (800) 421-1220.

 

Who is eligible: Adults who have prediabetes or are at risk for type 2 diabetes.

 

When are classes held?: Mondays from 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm or 6 pm to 7 pm. New classes begin April 1, 2024. Participants are encouraged to dedicate one year to the program.

 

Where are classes held?: Northern Dutchess Hospital Cafeteria Conference Room, 6511 Springbrook Avenue, Rhinebeck or via Zoom

 

*Note: First class must be attended in person.