Sign, diabetes just ahead

According to national statistics, likely one-third of individuals, older than age 18, have prediabetes and are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. More than eight in 10 of those individuals do not know their risk.

Individuals at risk for type 2 diabetes may be more likely to consider a lifestyle change program if their healthcare professional recommends it. You can refer your at-risk patients to a CDC-recognized lifestyle change program that is proven by research to cut their risk of type 2 diabetes by more than half. 

Participating in this program will encourage weight loss and other healthy changes to an individual’s lifestyle, lowering their risk of type 2 diabetes, heart attack and stroke. Because CDC-recognized lifestyle change programs use a research-based curriculum and trained coaches, you can trust that your patients are receiving evidence-based information about weight loss, diet, exercise and other important lifestyle changes. 

Over the course of 1 year, CDC-recognized lifestyle change programs offer about 24 hours of instruction to lower an individual’s risk of type 2 diabetes by more than half.  Key program features to guarantee its quality and outcomes:

  • CDC-approved curriculum with lessons, handouts and other resources to help participants make healthy changes.
  • A lifestyle coach, specially trained to lead the program, help teach new skills, encourage participants to set and meet goals, and keep them motivated. The coach also facilitates discussions and helps make the program fun and engaging.
  • A support group of people with similar goals and challenges. Together, the group will share ideas, celebrate successes and work to overcome obstacles. In some programs, participants stay in touch with each other during the week, and sometimes well after the program ends.

“At Great Plains Quality Innovation Network, our goal is to help healthcare providers with the prevention and management of chronic diseases by offering support to prevent cardiovascular events, improve the management of diabetes to decrease complications and help identify those at risk for developing diabetes and chronic kidney disease. Healthy behaviors directly contribute to positive health outcomes. Improving health outcomes related to chronic conditions must be a joint effort between healthcare professionals, the community and the individual. Visit our Web site for more information on chronic disease management, including resources, tools and educational opportunities,” stated Keri McDermott, Great Plains QIN Communications Director. 

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)