Diabetes Prevention Classes Hosted by Solano County this Month

Announcement Courtesy of Solano County:

SOLANO COUNTY – According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), no one is excused from prediabetes. Nationally, 1 in 3 adults (or 33 percent) have prediabetes, a condition in which blood glucose (sugar) levels are high, but not high enough to be classified as type 2 diabetes. The rates are even higher in California at 38 percent. These numbers continue to rise each and every year.

To combat the growing trend, Solano Public Health and Touro University California have partnered up to offer a free National Diabetes Prevention Program (NDPP) class to the Solano community on Tuesday, March 15 from 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. at the County’s Health and Social Services building, located at 275 Beck Ave. in Fairfield in Conference Room 2.

“We invite Solano residents who are at risk for developing diabetes to take advantage of this free class to improve their health,” said Michelle Woo, Solano County health education specialist. “Most of us know about type 2 diabetes, but aren’t familiar with prediabetes.”

Nearly 90 percent of people with prediabetes are not aware they have the condition, according to the ADA. It’s important to know, because people with prediabetes are at greater risk for type 2 diabetes, heart attack and stroke.

Additionally, the ADA states that without making healthy lifestyle changes, an estimated 15 to 30 percent of people with prediabetes could develop type 2 diabetes within the next five years. Fortunately, prediabetes can often be reversed through weight loss, diet changes and increased physical activity.

“Our approach to improving participants’ lifestyles is to make it fun,” Woo said. “The free NDPP class focuses on healthy eating, reducing stress, problem-solving and increasing physical activity to lose a modest amount of weight.”

Like any disease, diagnosis is key. The ADA encourages people to take a short online test at DoIHavePrediabetes.org to learn their risk for prediabetes. Research shows that once people are aware of their condition, they are much more likely to make the necessary lifestyle changes.

For more information and to register for the free National Diabetes Prevention Program class, please call Michelle Woo at (707) 784-8344. Pre-registration is required and class size is limited. Additional classes may be added depending on popularity. Please inquire when making your reservation.

NDPP classes are funded by the California Department of Public Health through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Grant #DP005499.

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