Suffolk County Offers Free Diabetes Prevention Program
Making modest changes in lifestyle can reduce a person’s risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 58 percent
Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone invites residents who have pre-diabetes or are at high risk for developing type-2 diabetes to participate in Suffolk County’s National Diabetes Prevention Program. The program is based a study led by the National Institutes of Health that showed that making modest lifestyle changes can reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 58 percent in people at high risk for diabetes. The program, conducted by the Department of Health Services, will meet one hour per week, for 16 weeks, followed by monthly follow-up sessions.
“Diabetes is a major health concern in Suffolk County and nationwide,” said County Executive Steve Bellone. “The rate of the chronic disease continues to rise, especially in the African American and Hispanic populations. This program offers those who are at risk for diabetes an excellent opportunity to learn more about preventing diabetes and living a full life.”
The classes cover lifestyle changes, including increasing physical activity and improving food choices. Participants work toward goals that lead to the prevention or delay of a diabetes diagnosis. A trained lifestyle coach will facilitate the class in a small group setting.
According to the New York State Department of Health, diabetes is the most rapidly growing chronic disease of our time, affecting one out of every 12 adults in New York. Minority populations are at high risk, especially those who are African American, Latino, Native American and Asian American.
Diabetes puts the body at risk for many serious health conditions, including heart disease, eye problems, kidney disease, poor blood flow, amputations and complications of pregnancy if it is not properly controlled.
“The good news is that moderate changes in lifestyle can help you to restore your blood sugar to normal levels and result in significant health benefits,” said Dr. Tomarken. This course can help those who are at risk for diabetes to make those small changes and enable them to improve their overall health and well-being.”
The Diabetes Prevention Program will begin on March 11 and will run weekly for 16 weeks at the Suffolk County Department of Health Services Office of Health Education located in building C016 at 725 Veterans Highway in Hauppauge.
Dates: March 11, 18, 25 April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
May 6, 13, 20, 27 June 3, 10, 17, 24
Time: 6:00 – 7:15
Contact: Debora 631-853-2928
For more information visit our the Suffolk County Department of Health Services website or call the Office of Health Education at 853-3162.
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