Live Well Longer
The Y's evidence-based Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) helps adults at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles by eating healthier, increasing physical activity, and losing a modest amount of weight in order to reduce their chances of developing the disease.
The Diabetes Prevention Program at the YMCA of Greater Seattle has received a Full Plus Recognition status from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). This full recognition status – an A+ grade indicates that our program exceeds standards set by the CDC to effectively deliver this program to people with prediabetes or at risk for diabetes.
Learn Your Risk
88 million Americans are at risk for type 2 diabetes, but only 10% are aware! Take this 60 second online quiz from the Center for Disease Control and American Diabetes Association to help you assess your risk level.
Take the Quiz.
What Can You Expect?
The Y's Diabetes Prevention Program is designed to help participants adopt and maintain positive lifestyle changes. Participants in the program can expect the following:
A Year-Long Commitment
This Y's DPP program lasts one year over 25 virtual sessions. Attending every session is crucial to success in the program and to achieving your long-term program goals.
Food Tracking
Tracking food intake can help you to eat smaller portions, reduce fat intake, and modify eating habits long-term. These changes have been proven to help prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes.
Getting More Active
Many studies have shown that moderate physical activity (walking, swimming, bicycling) for 30 minutes, five days a week, can help improve overall health and reduce the risk of chronic disease.
Group Support
Our trained Lifestyle Coaches facilitate the ongoing sessions where a small, supportive group of participants meet virtually to encourage each other to stay motivated and maintain progress.
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This program has made a huge difference in my life. My blood pressure and cholesterol are back down where they are supposed to be. I have more energy. I want to do everything I can to stay on track and to keep myself motivated.
— Marilyn N.
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What Outcomes Will You Achieve?
Small lifestyle changes make a big difference in reducing your risk of type 2 diabetes. The Y's Diabetes Prevention Program promotes the following outcomes:
Healthier Eating Habits
Focus is on reducing total dietary fat intake, not eliminating carbohydrates, while modeling the MyPlate method.
Increased Physical Activity
Participants will be encouraged to increase their activity to 150 minutes per week through moderate and sustainable exercise.
Reduced Body Weight
Our first two outcomes, eating healthier and moving more, will naturally contribute to a modest reduction in body weight.
Upcoming Information Sessions & Programs
Join us for a free information session to learn more about the Y's Diabetes Prevention Program.
- Thursday, May 2 | 5:00 - 6:00 pm | Register here >>
Fill out our Get Started Now Form to add your name to our interest list for upcoming programs listed below, or schedule a call today to learn more.
- Starts April 22 | Mondays at 10:00 am | Virtual
- Starts May 21 | Tuesdays at 6:00 pm | Virtual
- Starts June 17 | Mondays at 5:30 pm | Virtual
- Starts June 26 | Wednesdays at 12:00 pm | Virtual
Eligibility
In order to qualify for the program, you must be at least 18 years old, with a BMI > 25 (BMI > 23 for Asian individuals) and at high risk for one of the following:
- Developing type 2 diabetes indicated by a confirmatory blood value*
- Prediabetes determined by clinical diagnosis of Gestational Diabetes (GDM) during previous pregnancy, or
- A qualifying risk score (see The American Diabetes Association online quiz.)
Individuals who have already been diagnosed with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes do not qualify for this program.
*A confirmatory blood value means that you have a blood test result in the prediabetes range within the past year. A prediabetes range is any of the following:
- Hemoglobin A1C: 5.7–6.4%
- Fasting plasma glucose: 100–125 mg/dL
- Two-hour plasma glucose (after a 75 gm glucose load): 140–199 mg/dL
Cost & Insurance
Traditional Medicare and some Medicare Advantage plans typically cover the full cost of our program for eligible participants with no co-pays required. If you have questions about insurance, please let us know via our contact form below.
For anyone not covered by Medicare, we offer sliding-scale access to our diabetes prevention program based on ability to pay. If you are ready to make lifestyle changes, we will make sure cost is not a barrier to getting started.
Reimbursement for the Y's Diabetes Prevention Program may be possible through your Health Savings account or Flexible Spending Account. Please read answers to frequently asked questions here to learn more.
MORE WAYS TO ENGAGE WITH THE Y
Programs for Health
As a community-facing organization, the Y’s mission has long focused on helping people to live their healthiest lives and reach their full potential in mind, body, and spirit. We acknowledge that individual “health” is influenced by a range of environmental, social, and biological factors, many of which cannot be adequately addressed in the clinic.
YMCA360 Is Your Virtual Y
From yoga to youth sports, YMCA360 is our exclusive collection of on-demand and livestream classes, included with membership.
Join the Y!
With a shared commitment to nurturing the potential of kids, improving health and well-being, and supporting our neighbors, your membership will not just bring about meaningful change in yourself, but also in your community.
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