One out of three American adults has pre-diabetes (borderline diabetes). Most of them do not know it. Having pre-diabetes means that your blood glucose (sugar) is higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed with diabetes. This raises your risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke.
Many people with pre-diabetes will develop type 2 diabetes within three years. Type 2 diabetes is a serious condition that can lead to health problems such as heart attack, stroke, blindness, kidney failure or loss of toes, feet and legs.
Studies show that diabetes can be prevented. Diabetes risk can be lowered by losing weight, eating healthy, exercising regularly, and taking part in a lifestyle change program, such as Smart Moves.
If you have pre-diabetes (borderline diabetes) or other risk factors for type 2 diabetes, it’s time to take charge of your health. The Smart Moves lifestyle intervention can help you make lasting changes. Smart Moves is part of the National Diabetes Prevention Program, led by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The Smart Moves program is a year long class in which at risk individuals will meet weekly for 16 sessions in the first 6 months, followed by monthly meetings for the next 6 months.
With the Smart Moves program, you will receive:
- A CDC approved curriculum
- The skills you need to lose weight, be more physically active, and manage stress
- A trained lifestyle coach to guide and encourage you
- Support from other participants with the same goals
- 16 weekly sessions
- 6 monthly follow-up sessions to help you maintain healthy lifestyle changes
The cost of the Smart Moves program is $150 for the full year. Financial assistance is available if you meet certain criteria. Please contact one of the lifestyle coaches listed below for more information.
Classes will begin in both Beatrice and Fairbury starting in February. The YMCA in Beatrice will offer classes on Mondays at 6:15 pm starting February 15. Beatrice Community Hospital & Health Center Diabetes Program staff will offer classes at Parkview Center on Thursdays at 4:30 pm starting February 18. All Smart Moves participants (at either location) will receive a FREE 3-month membership to the YMCA in Beatrice. Contact Kathi or Sue at 402-223-6758 (leave a message) or email ktaylor@bchhc.org or Kerry at 402-821-7483 or email smartmovesdpp@gmail.com
Jefferson Community Health Center will be offering their 2nd session of classes starting Tuesday, Feb. 23 at 4:00 pm. In addition to the Smart Moves program, all participants will receive a FREE 6-month membership to the Bob and Wauneta Burkley Wellness Center. Pre-registration is required by Feb. 16. Contact Lisa Edeal at 402-729-6846 for more information.
