MILTON — Registration is open for the next session of the National Diabetes Prevention Program offered by the Florida Department of Health in Santa Rosa County.
The first class will be held 4-5 p.m. Monday, Jan. 30 at the Florida Department of Health in Santa Rosa County Milton office, 5527 Stewart St. The registration fee is $25 and includes classes led by a trained lifestyle coach, lab tests and a workbook.
Participants may be referred by a primary care provider or self-refer by contacting Susan Howell at 564-2263 or Ashlee Turner at 564-2304 to register.
Led by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the program is based on research that showed people with prediabetes who lost 5 to 7 percent of their body weight (10 to 14 pounds for a 200-pound person) reduced their risk of developing Type 2 diabetes by 58 percent.
Guided by a trained lifestyle coach, participants learn the skills they need to make lasting changes, such as losing a modest amount of weight, being more physically active and managing stress.
Classes meet once a week for 16 weeks, then once a month for six months to maintain healthy lifestyle changes.
People are more likely to have prediabetes or 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 less 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.
“The complications from Type 2 diabetes are serious and can include heart attacks, strokes, blindness, kidney failure and the amputation of toes, feet or legs,” said Barbara McMillion, RN, director of Nursing for the Florida Department of Health in Santa Rosa County.
“Small changes can make a big difference. This program can help those with prediabetes make the lasting changes they need to prevent diabetes and its complications and improve their quality of life.”
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Diabetes prevention program scheduled