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If you’re at risk for developing type 2 diabetes, the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program can help you take control of your health. This yearlong, small-group program is designed to help participants adopt long-term healthy habits through education, support, and achievable lifestyle changes.

The program is based on research funded by the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Studies show that people with prediabetes who take part in a structured lifestyle change program can reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes by up to 58%, and 71% for adults over 60.

🧭 What to Expect

This is not a diet or exercise class. It’s a supportive, peer-driven experience that helps participants develop new habits to improve overall wellness and reduce diabetes risk.

  • A trained Lifestyle Coach leads the group in weekly sessions for the first 16 weeks, followed by biweekly and monthly maintenance sessions
  • Focus on healthy eating, physical activity, stress management, and behavior change
  • Tools and encouragement to help you track food, increase activity, and set achievable goals
  • Supportive group environment to stay motivated and accountable
  • No gimmicks or restrictive diets—just real strategies for lasting change

✅ Program Eligibility

You may qualify for the YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program if you:

  • Are 18 years or older
  • Are overweight (BMI ≥ 25)
  • Have been diagnosed with prediabetes by a healthcare provider OR have a history of gestational diabetes, OR
  • Scored 9 or higher on the YMCA Diabetes Risk Assessment (available at the link below)

Note: Individuals who already have diabetes or are currently pregnant do not qualify for this program.

💡 Why It Matters

Type 2 diabetes is a serious condition that can lead to heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and more. But it can be delayed or prevented with simple lifestyle changes.

By joining this program, you’re taking a powerful step toward better health.

🕒 Program Format

  • Yearlong program: 16 weekly sessions, then 3 biweekly sessions, followed by 6–8 monthly sessions
  • Small group format: Community support and shared learning
  • Led by a trained Lifestyle Coach who guides discussion and goal setting
  • Offered both in-person and virtually (based on location and availability)

📍 Locations & Registration

The YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program is available at select Greater Cleveland YMCA locations. Financial assistance is available for those who qualify.

🧠 Learn More About Prediabetes

  • More than 1 in 3 American adults has prediabetes—and most don’t know it
  • Without lifestyle changes, up to 30% of people with prediabetes will develop type 2 diabetes within 5 years
  • Losing just 5–7% of your body weight and getting 150 minutes of physical activity per week can dramatically reduce your risk

Take control. Build better habits. Live a healthier life.

Join the YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program today.

Interested in learning more?

For information about eligibility, program fees and registration, please contact Linda McVey

healthyliving@clevelandymca.org

440-574-0580

An estimated one of every three U.S. adults has prediabetes, yet just 11% of those with prediabetes know they have it. Prediabetes increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.

Prediabetes is a condition in which individuals have blood glucose levels that are higher than normal, but not high enough to be classified as diabetes. People with prediabetes are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke.

If your physician has already diagnosed you as diabetic, you are NOT eligible for this program.

To qualify for the program, you must be at least a bit overweight and at risk for developing diabetes.

Determining whether you are at risk for developing diabetes can be accomplished in one of three ways:
1. Physician diagnosis
2. Blood test with one of the following results:
        a) HbA1c between 5.7% and 6.4%
        b) Fasting plasma glucose between 100 and 125 mg/dL
        c) 2-hour (75 gm glucola) Plasma Glucose between 140 and 199 mg/dL

3. A combination of risk factors such as family history, overweight, previous gestational diabetes, elevated cholesterol, advancing age, etc.

You do NOT need to be a YMCA member to participate.

"I don’t remember a life without diabetes and an awareness of my potential for diagnosis. I watched as my grandparents, mother, aunts, uncles and cousins struggled with the disease--and while experience was a great lesson, the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program was the first education course to truly impact me."

"My life has been so positively impacted that several friends want to know what I’m doing that is working so well for me. The straightforward, simple preventative approach of counting calories, decreasing fat and increasing activity is easy to follow. It is put into easy-to-understand concepts that help me to focus on achieving a goal of lifestyle balance."

"I used to lay awake at night and try to figure out how to lose weight and lower my risk of getting diabetes. Thanks to the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program, I now know what to do, am doing it, and am experiencing success."

“Thank you” is not enough to say, but it will have to do. Thank you."  - Donna N.