YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program available to Philadelphia-area community members
The YMCA of Philadelphia & Vicinity is taking steps to reduce the burden of diabetes in the Greater Philadelphia area by offering the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program – an innovative program proven to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes in those at high risk of developing the disease by helping them take steps that will improve their overall health and well-being.
The YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program provides a supportive environment where participants work together in a small group to learn about healthier eating and about increasing their physical activity in order to reduce their risk for developing diabetes. The evidence-based program is delivered over a 12-month period, with 16 weekly core sessions then monthly maintenance. The goals of the program are to reduce and maintain individual weight loss by at least 7 percent and to increase physical activity to 150 minutes per week. It is classroom based and can be offered in any community setting.
“Providing support and opportunities that empower people to be healthy and live well is part of the YMCA’s charitable purpose,” said John Flynn, CEO of the YMCA of Philadelphia & Vicinity. “The lifestyle choices learned through the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program not only reduce risk for type 2 diabetes, but also create lifelong changes in the way that individuals approach health and well-being.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 11.1 percent of adults living in Philadelphia County are diagnosed with diabetes. The rates are slightly lower in Montgomery and Delaware counties, 7.3 percent and 8.9 percent respectively. “Philadelphia County has one of the highest rates of diabetes in the state – an alarming statistic for residents in the area,” said Flynn. “Through this program, we’re hoping to tackle the diabetes epidemic in our surrounding communities and improve the overall health of participants.”
Based on the national Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) study led by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and supported by the CDC, the program reduces the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 58 percent. Researchers at Indiana University School of Medicine were able to replicate the successful results of the national DPP with the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis. Unlike the national DPP research study, which was conducted with individuals one-to-one, the YMCA’s program is conducted in a group setting.
The research by the Indiana University researchers also demonstrated that the YMCA could effectively deliver a group-based lifestyle intervention for about 75 percent less than the cost of the original DPP. This research also highlighted the ability of the Y to take the program to scale nationally. Just two years ago, only two Ys offered this program. Today, more than 50 Ys in 26 states are offering it in their communities.
“We now have proof that lifestyle interventions delivered through community-based organizations such as the Y can save lives and healthcare dollars,” said Flynn.
The YMCA is committed to making the program available to everyone in the community. All individuals with a Body Mass Index (BMI) over 24 who have two additional risk factors or have been diagnosed with prediabetes are eligible.
The YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program is being offered as part of the Diabetes Prevention and Control Alliance (DPCA) – a subsidiary of UnitedHealth Group. DPCA is offering the program to all insurers and employers who wish to make it available to those they insure.
“UnitedHealthcare is pleased to work with the YMCA of Philadelphia & Vicinity to help create awareness among business and community leaders about this proven program,” said Dan Tropeano, Vice President of Sales & Client Services for UnitedHealthcare of PA & DE. “Taking on the diabetes epidemic requires our deep commitment, creative thinking and community partnerships if we are to tip the scales against the epidemic of type 2 diabetes, prediabetes and obesity.”
YMCA of the USA, the national resource office for the nation’s 2,700 YMCAs, is working with CDC, UnitedHealth Group and other organizations to expand the program to as many communities as possible nationwide. The program will be available to communities surrounding the area’s 10 Y branches beginning July 1.
Please contact Aimee Smith, Senior Program Specialist, for information about availability and eligibility requirements: 215-963-3705 or [email protected].
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