THE REGIONAL

YMCA OF WESTERN CT

Prevent Diabetes

Prevent
Diabetes

Prevention is Possible 

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. 

The Diabetes Prevention Program at Regional YMCA of Western CT welcomes participants from across Connecticut, including the communities served by the Regional YMCA, the Valley Shore YMCA and Naugatuck YMCA.

Classes are offered virtually and in person to make the program accessible to our neighbors near and far. 

Measurable progress, unlimited support.

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. 

Diabetes Prevention Contact:

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

DPP Infomercial by Kariana Cicerone

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

A Year-long Commitment

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. Classes can have anywhere from 6-10 participants.  

Diabetes Prevention Contact:

Lisa O’Connor
Wellness Director
Director of Evidence Based Health Initiatives
203.775.4444 x 135

Food Tracking for Diabetes Prevention Program at the Regional YMCA

To lower your risk for developing diabetes, you’ll work toward two important goals that can have a lasting impact on your health: 

  • Reduce your body weight by 5–7%. Even a modest weight loss can make a big difference. For example, if you currently weigh 200 pounds, your goal would be to lose about 14 pounds within 6 months.  
  • Increase your physical activity to at least 150 minutes each week. A simple way to reach this target is by adding a 30-minute brisk walk on five days each week. You can also choose other activities you enjoy, such as swimming, cycling, or fitness classes. Regular movement not only helps with weight loss, but also boosts energy, reduces stress, and strengthens your heart and muscles. 

Throughout the program, we’ll guide and support you every step of the way. By building healthier habits, you’ll not only reduce your risk for diabetes, but also discover the benefits of feeling better day to day, having more energy, gaining confidence in your choices, and setting yourself up for a lifetime of improved health and well-being. 

Diabetes Prevention Contact:

Lisa O’Connor
Wellness Director
Director of Evidence Based Health Initiatives
203.775.4444 x 135

Women Walking

Step 1: Determine if you are at risk 

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. 

Step 2: Contact Lisa for an intake appointment  

Diabetes Prevention Contact:

Lisa O’Connor
Wellness Director
Director of Evidence Based Health Initiatives
203.775.4444 x 135

people at meeting

Registration is always open, and new sessions begin regularly.  
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.  

What is the Cost?

Medicare beneficiaries may be eligible to participate for free with a blood value, such as A1c or blood glucose, in the prediabetes range. 

Those who are not covered by Medicare can contact Lisa for enrollment options.  

Diabetes Prevention Contact:

Lisa O’Connor
Wellness Director
Director of Evidence Based Health Initiatives
203.775.4444 x 135

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.”  

Measurable progress, unlimited support.

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.” 

The Diabetes Prevention Program at Regional YMCA of Western CT welcomes participants from across Connecticut, including the communities served by the Regional YMCA, the Valley Shore YMCA and Naugatuck YMCA. Classes are offered virtually and in person to make the program accessible to our neighbors near and far. 

Diabetes Prevention Contact:

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

Diabetes Prevention Contact:

Lisa O’Connor
Wellness Director
Director of Evidence Based Health Initiatives
203.740.3432 x 135
loconnor@regionalymca.org