Are you part of the 29 percent of the Cedar Valley that’s prediabetic?
As the prediabetes rate continues to rise, few Cedar Valley residents know they are at risk
The Black Hawk County YMCA will hold their first Diabetes Prevention Program class in June to encourage residents of the Cedar Valley to learn their risks for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes and to take preventive steps to potentially reduce their chances of developing the disease.
Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that more than one in three Americans (86 million people) have prediabetes, up from 79 million in 2010. Prediabetes is a condition in which a person’s blood glucose is elevated, but not high enough for a diabetes diagnosis. Only 10 percent of those with prediabetes know they have it but with awareness and simple actions, people with prediabetes may prevent the onset of diabetes.
Also, according to local health departments and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 29 percent of the Cedar Valley is prediabetic.
“As one of the leading community-based charities committed to building a community of integrated health across the country, the Y wants residents of the Cedar Valley to understand their risk for prediabetes and steps they can take to prevent developing Type 2 diabetes,” said Malinda Gudgeon, Membership and Wellness Director, Black Hawk County YMCA.
As Gudgeon further explains, “Rising diabetes rates cost the nation $245 billion annually for a disease that is preventable with simple lifestyle changes like eating better and getting more physical activity. We saw it was important to try to catch those people who are on the edge. When you’re still on the edge, you can turn it around. That was the kicker for us.”
Individuals can assess their risk for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes by taking a simple test at http://www.ymca.net/diabetes-prevention. 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.
The class still has spots available if you’re interested in joining. To learn more about the Black Hawk County YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program, please contact Malinda at mgudgeon@blackhawkymca.org or (319) 233-3531.
