Prediabetes—Marquette’s Hidden Health Challenge

November 9, 2011

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month, and the YMCA of Marquette County wants residents of Marquette to be aware of their risk for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes – and preventative steps they can take today to reduce that risk.  Currently, nearly 26 million Americans have diabetes and a staggering 79 million people have prediabetes, a condition where blood glucose is elevated, but not high enough to be diagnosed with diabetes.

While the nation’s struggle with obesity and type 2 diabetes is well-chronicled, the amount of people with prediabetes is a growing and often underreported issue that can be prevented with changes in eating and physical activity habits. People with prediabetes are at risk for not only developing type 2 diabetes, but cardiovascular diseases, stroke and other conditions.

“Learning that you have prediabetes does not necessarily mean you will develop type 2 diabetes, in fact it’s the first step in preventing type 2 diabetes  through changes in healthier eating and regular physical activity,” said Jenna Zdunek Senior Health and Wellness Leader of the YMCA of Marquette County. “You don’t have to make the changes alone the YMCA of Marquette County can help through our Diabetes prevention program.” 

As one of the nation’s leading nonprofits dedicated to strengthening community through healthy living, the YMCA of Marquette County is urging residents of Marquette County to assess their risk for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes by visiting YMCA.net/diabetes-prevention. Individuals can learn how background and lifestyle choices help determine the ultimate risk for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. Several factors that could put a person at risk for type 2 diabetes include family history, age, weight and activity level, among others.

Some basic lifestyle changes that contribute to weight loss and healthy living can decrease the risk for type 2 diabetes. Among these are:

·         Eat fruits and vegetables every day;

·         Choose fish, lean meats, and poultry without skin ;

·         Aim for whole grains with every meal;

·         Be moderately active at least 30 minutes per day five days a week

·         Choose water to drink instead of beverages with added sugar;

·         Speak to your doctor about your diabetes risk factors, especially if you have a family history or are overweight. 

To learn more about the YMCA of Marquette County Diabetes Prevention Program, please contact Jenna Zdunek at 906.227.9622.