Prevent T2 is a CDC-recognized lifestyle change program for adults that are at risk for type 2 diabetes. This proven program helps individuals make lasting changes to prevent type 2 diabetes.
What Is Type Two Diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. Most of the food we eat is turned into glucose, or sugar, for our bodies to use for energy. The pancreas, an organ that lies near the stomach, makes a hormone called insulin to help glucose get into the cells of our bodies. When you have type 2 diabetes, your body can’t use its own insulin as well as it should. This causes sugar to build up in your blood. Type 2 diabetes is a serious condition. It can lead to health issues such as heart attack; stroke; blindness; kidney failure; or loss of toes, feet, or legs.
What Is Prediabetes?
Prediabetes is a blood glucose (sugar) level that is higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. One in three American adults has prediabetes, and most do not even know they have it. If you have prediabetes and do not lose weight or do moderate physical activity, you can develop type 2 diabetes within 5 years.
Am I at Risk for Prediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes?
You are at increased risk for developing prediabetes and type 2 diabetes if you:
- Are 45 years of age or older;
- Are overweight;
- Have a family history of type 2 diabetes;
- Are physically active fewer than three times per week; or
- Ever had diabetes while pregnant (gestational diabetes) or gave birth to a baby that weighed more than 9 pounds. If you think you may be at risk, a health care provider can do a blood test to see if you have diabetes or prediabetes
Can I Prevent Type 2 Diabetes?
Yes! Hearing your doctor say, “You’re at risk for type 2 diabetes,” or “You have prediabetes,” means that you can start preventing type 2 diabetes today. And you do not have to do it alone. Finding the PreventT2 program was your first step on that journey. If you have prediabetes, now is the time for prevention. Southwest Health District’s PreventT2 lifestyle change program can help you take charge of your health to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes. What is the PreventT2 Lifestyle Change Program? PreventT2 is part of the National Diabetes Prevention Program, led by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It is proven to help people with prediabetes prevent or delay development of type 2 diabetes.
What Is the Benefit of Being Part of a PreventT2 Program?
As part of a PreventT2 group, you will work with other participants and a trained lifestyle coach to learn the skills you need to make lasting changes. These changes include losing a modest amount of weight, being more physically active, and managing stress. Being part of a group provides support from other people who are facing similar challenges and trying to make the same changes you are. Together you can celebrate successes and find ways to overcome obstacles.
What Is the Format of the PreventT2 Program?
For the first 6 months of PreventT2, program goals are for participants to:
• Lose at least 5% of their starting weight.
or
• Lose at least 4% of their starting weight and log an average of 150 minutes of activity each week.
or
• Lower their A1C (also known as HbA1C) by 0.2%.
For the second 6 months, program goals are for participants to:
• Keep off the weight they have lost.
• Keep working toward their weight or A1C goals if they haven’t reached them.
• Lose more weight if they wish, but no more than 1 to 2 pounds a week.
• Keep getting at least 150 minutes of activity each week.
Scheduling
PreventT2 consists of 26 sessions:
• Once a week for 4 months (sessions 1 through 16).
• Once every other week for 2 months (sessions 17 through 20).
• Once a month for 6 months (sessions 21 through 26).
During each session, your lifestyle coach will teach a lesson and lead a group discussion. For example, you will learn to:
- Eat healthy
- Add physical activity to your life
- Manage stress
- Stay on track when eating out Your PreventT2 Lifestyle Coach PreventT2 lifestyle coaches have the experience and training to help you reach your goals. Your lifestyle coach will help you:
- Learn the facts about healthy eating and physical activity and explain how these behaviors will help reduce your risk for type 2 diabetes
- Set and meet your goals
- Build relationships with other participants
- Work as a group to meet challenges
- Understand and respond to your food cues
- Stay motivated
- Solve problems that can get in the way of healthy changes
For more information about the PreventT2 Curriculum, go to http://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/prevention/lifestyleprogram/curriculum.html.
Your PreventT2 Lifestyle Coach
PreventT2 lifestyle coaches have the experience and training to help you reach your goals. Your lifestyle coach will help you:
- Learn the facts about healthy eating and physical activity and explain how these behaviors will help reduce your risk for type 2 diabetes
- Set and meet your goals
- Build relationships with other participants
- Work as a group to meet challenges
PreventT2 Program Features
- Trained lifestyle coach
- CDC-approved curriculum
- Group support
- Year-long program — weekly for 6 months, then 1–2 times a month
Where Can I Participate in a PreventT2 Program?
Join us for a FREE virtual Prevent T2 program hosted by the Southwest Health District. If you would like more information call or email Ebonee Phinazee (229) 352-4275 ext 6516 or Ebonee.Phinazee@dph.ga.gov.