This post is paid advertising by Lebanon Family Health Services.

Members of the Lebanon Community are invited to prevent the onset of Type 2 diabetes by joining a lifestyle change program called Prevent “T2: Diabetes Prevention Program”. Beginning June 28 at 5pm (in Spanish) and July 6 at 5:15pm (in English), this Centers for Disease Control approved curriculum is guided by a trained lifestyle coach. During this program, participants will learn the skills they need to make lasting change such as losing a modest amount of weight, increasing physical activity and managing stress.

People with prediabetes- a higher than normal blood glucose (sugar) levels- are 5-15 times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than those with normal blood glucose levels. In fact, many people with prediabetes can be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes within 5 years.

The good news is that this is preventable! The “Prevent T2” program offers a proven approach to preventing or delaying the onset of type 2 diabetes through modest lifestyle changes made with the support of a coach and one’s peers. During this free 16 week program, participants will learn how to eat healthy, plan meals better, cook healthier options, add physical activity to their routine, improve fitness, manage stress and stay motivated. The program’s group setting provides a supportive environment with people who are facing similar challenges and trying to make the same changes.

“Prevent T2” is based on research that showed that people with prediabetes who lost 5 to 7 percent of their body weight by making modest changes reduced their risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 58%. Small changes can make a big difference! To qualify for this free program, you must meet one or more of the following criteria: (1) be over age 18, (2) have a body mass index of over 25, (3) have an elevated blood glucose (sugar), (4) had gestational diabetes or (5) have a family member with diabetes.

This program is FREE and will meet once a week for 1-hour for 16 weeks with monthly follow ups. The next classes begin June 28 (in Spanish) at 5:00 and July 6 (in English) at 5:15 at Lebanon Family Health Services (615 Cumberland Street, Lebanon). To register, call (717) 273-6741 ext. 310 or visit our website at www.lebanonfamilyhealth.org.