Prevent diabetes with free classes in Duluth

If you’re ready to take charge of your health by losing weight and delaying the onset of diabetes, two free classes are beginning in Duluth this month.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 3 Americans has prediabetes, and most don’t know it. Prediabetes occurs when blood sugar (glucose) levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be diabetes. Fifteen to 30 percent of those cases progress to type 2 diabetes within 5 years. Making healthy lifestyle changes can prevent diabetes, and the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) has been proven by a national research study to help people make those changes.

The DPP is a one-year program where participants meet once a week for 16 weeks, then once a month for the remainder of the year. Participants learn how to eat healthy, be more active, manage stress and stay motivated. Led by a trained lifestyle coach, participants learn with others in the program to gain the skills needed to make lasting changes.

The class information is below. Register by visiting www.duluthymca.org (click “Online Registration” on the toolbar on the lefthand side of the page and then search diabetes) or calling the Duluth YMCA at (218) 722-4745.

• Wednesdays, beginning March 15th
  4:30 p.m.
  Hermantown City Hall, 5105 Maple Grove Rd., Hermantown
• Wednesdays, beginning March 15th
  12:30 p.m.
  Downtown YMCA, 302 W. 1st St., Duluth

This class is normally $429 but is being offered free by the Duluth Area YMCA with support from Essentia Health, Healthy Northland, City of Hermantown, and the Minnesota Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.