Diabetes prevention classes begin June 1.

HART – The National Diabetes Prevention Program is coming to Hart, on behalf of District Health Department #10.

Currently, one in three adults is living with pre-diabetes (higher than normal blood sugar levels), most of whom are unaware of their condition. In Michigan, that equals about 2.6 million adults. The good news – type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed with a healthy lifestyle, as evidenced through the National Diabetes Prevention Program (NDPP).

The NDPP will be held at District Health Department #10 located at 3986 N. Oceana Drive. The program’s first class is set for June 1, from 5:15-6:30 p.m. NDPP will meet every Wednesday at the same time and location for 16 weeks and then monthly for the remainder of the year.

Participants must register by Wednesday, May 18. The cost for program materials is determined by a sliding fee scale – call for pricing. The program is now accepting Priority Health Insurance.

To qualify for the NDPP, a person must be overweight and at high risk for developing diabetes, or overweight and have been diagnosed by a health care provider as someone with pre-diabetes. Pre-diabetes is determined by one of the following blood test results:

• Fasting plasma glucose between 100-125 mg/d
• A1c between 5.7% and 6.4%
• Two-hour plasma glucose between 140 to 199 mg/dl

In addition, a combination of risk factors, such as family history, being overweight or obese, history of gestational diabetes, and inactivity may also put a person at risk and therefore make them eligible for the NDPP.

Participants in the NDPP learn how to eat healthy; add physical activity to their routine; manage stress; stay motivated; and solve problems that can get in the way of healthy changes. The program’s group setting provides a supportive environment with people who are facing similar challenges and trying to make the same changes. Together, participants celebrate their successes and find ways to overcome obstacles.

To register for the NDPP or to learn more, contact Nicole Smith at (231) 316-8578 or email at nsmith@dhd10.org. You can also submit your contact information online by visiting www.dhd10.org and clicking on the Diabetes Prevention Program link at the top of the page.