Measurable progress, unlimited support.

Pre-diabetes is a potentially reversible condition that often leads to Type II diabetes, and 86 million people in the United States are estimated to have it. Studies show that adults who are overweight (BMI ≥25) and at risk for developing type 2 diabetes can change the course of their health and prevent the disease. 

Prevention Is Possible

Lifestyle changes such as getting regular physical activity, eating a variety of foods that are low in fat while maintaining an adequate calorie intake, and losing a modest amount of weight can cut diabetes risk and lead to a healthier way of life. The YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program is proving to be a model that helps people achieve these changes. In fact, programs like ours have been shown to reduce the number of new cases of Diabetes by 58% in adults and by 71% in adults over the age of 60.  

The YMCA delivers a CDC-approved curriculum and is part of the National Diabetes Prevention Program (NDPP). It is the largest in-person provider in the United States. 

The Diabetes Prevention Program here at the Regional YMCA of Western CT is open to participants referred from the Valleyshore YMCA and the Naugatuck YMCA. Classes are offered virtually and in person to make the program accessible to our neighbors near and far.  

As a leading nonprofit for strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, the Y believes that all people should be able to live life to its fullest, healthiest potential. In the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program a trained lifestyle coach will introduce topics in a small classroom setting to encourage participants as they explore how healthy eating, physical activity, and behavior changes can benefit their health.

During the program participants will discuss topics such as healthy eating, increasing physical activity, reducing stress, problem-solving, and much more.

What You Can Expect

Participants will start their journey toward better health with the Y’s Diabetes Prevention Program! The program is built to help participants embrace and stick with healthy lifestyle changes that make a real difference. Here’s what you can look forward to as a participant: 

A Yearlong Program

The Regional YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program is a year-long lifestyle change program designed to support lasting health improvements. The program begins with 16 weekly classes, followed by 4 biweekly sessions, and finishes with 6 monthly meetings. Participants with regular attendance and active engagement in the process achieve the best results. Classes are available both in person and virtually through Zoom as well as in English and Spanish. 

Food Tracking

Learning to track what you eat can help you manage portion sizes, monitor calorie intake, and make more mindful choices when planning meals—leading to lasting improvements in your eating habits. These changes have been shown to help prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes.  

Getting More Active

Research shows that engaging in 30 minutes of moderate activity such as walking, swimming, or cycling, five days a week can improve overall health and reduce the risk of chronic disease. 

Group Support

Our trained Lifestyle Coaches lead each session where a small, supportive group of participants come together to encourage one another, stay motivated, and maintain progress.

Prevention Is Possible: Success Stories from Our Diabetes Prevention Participants

“The program teaches you to set and achieve goals for weight reduction and exercise. The premise that diet and exercise are what is required for healthy lifestyle are proven with profound effect for those who diligently practice what is being taught during the 16-week sessions and carrying on after that. Personally, the habits that I learned along with the knowledge I gained about a healthy lifestyle will be with me the rest of my life. This is the best investment I have ever made in myself.”  

“My sister joined the YMCA, and she enjoyed going and had participated in a few of their programs. She had told me about the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program and suggested I try it. So, I joined the YMCA, and I’m so glad I did. I started the program and began seeing the results. The best support came from the group if you had a bad week. We would discuss and try to figure out what you could have done differently. It is all about balance; balancing your food, your exercise and your life. It is that simple. I am on the maintenance program now and still tracking my food daily. It is a regular routine for me now. The best part of the program is that it works if you work it. The support you get from Lisa and other members of the Y is amazing. I have gone down 2 sizes and have my LIFE back.” 

Are You At Risk?

Take this quiz to find out!

Who Can Participate?

To qualify for the program, participants must be: 

• At least 18 years old 

• Overweight (BMI > 25; BMI > 22 for Asian individuals), 

• At high risk for developing type 2 diabetes.  

• A blood test, a previous diagnosis of gestational diabetes, or a qualifying risk score confirms this risk.  

Individuals who have already been diagnosed with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes do not qualify for this program. 

Eligible participants: Contact Lisa and complete the CDC risk quiz to confirm your risk level. 

If you think this program might be a good fit for you, and you would like to learn more, please contact Lisa O’Connor to schedule a conversation to discuss eligibility and next steps.  

Why Medical Professionals Refer Patients to the YMCA

Did You Know…

• According to the CDC roughly 35% of U.S. adults have pre diabetes and few are aware that they are at high risk for type 2 diabetes.
• YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program can reduce the number of new cases of diabetes by 58%.

Program Goals

• To reduce body weight by 7%
• To increase physical activity to 150 minutes per week

For more details and to sign up contact our Diabetes Prevention Coordinator:

Lisa O’Connor
Wellness Director
Director of Evidence Based Health Initiatives
 203.775.4444 x 135
loconnor@regionalymca.org