Dept of Health in Hillsborough County Offers Free Diabetes Prevention Program

From the Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County:

TAMPA, FL - The Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County recognizes thegrowing health threat that obesity imposes on the community and offers the National Diabetes Prevention Program for free to reduce negative health outcomes.

The Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County is one of the nation's first Diabetes Prevention Programs to receive full recognition from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The Diabetes Prevention Program reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes in those who have prediabetes or are at high risk for prediabetes.

Prediabetes is a serious condition that can lead to type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and other chronic diseases. More than 1 out of 3 Americans have prediabetes and 9 out of 10 people with prediabetes do not know they have it. People with prediabetes can prevent or delay type 2 diabetes by losing 5% - 7% of their weight through healthy habits.

• Are 45 years of age or older;
• Are at an unhealthy weight;
• Have a family member with diabetes;
• Have family background that is African American, Hispanic/Latino, American Indian, Asian American, or Pacific Islander; and
• Are physically active less than three times a week.

To take a simple quiz about your risk, visit DoIHavePrediabetes.org. The Diabetes Prevention Program focuses on developing and maintaining healthy lifestyle changes.

The curriculum includes a 16-week course with a six-month follow-up support program lead by trained Lifestyle Coaches that guide participants through the facts about healthy eating and physical activity, behavior change, techniques for achieving program goals, and problem solving.

"Initially, I was skeptical about attending the Diabetes Prevention Program, but I took the test to qualify and decided to go to the first meeting since so many members of my family have or had diabetes. It was the best decision I have made not only for my health and well-being, but for my family as well. This program was very instrumental in showing me how to eat better for myself and my family, how to shop better by being more aware of what I am eating, and how to read labels. My Lifestyle Coach, Nailah, has been amazing. She is so
informative, supportive and encouraging and has such a positive attitude. I don't know if I would have done so well without her to guide me through the program. My family and I have benefited through this program in several ways. We are healthier mentally and physically and we eat better and exercise together. We feel better and have more energy, not to mention that it is has helped me and my husband lose weight and maintain that weight loss and have a more positive outlook because we feel so much better. I would encourage you to take full of advantage of this program and stick with it, it may be hard at times but it is so worth it," stated Lee Livingston, participant of the Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County's Diabetes Prevention
Program.

Those interested in finding more information about or registering for the Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County's Diabetes Prevention Program may contact (813) 307-8015 ext. 7111. A free Diabetes Self-Management Education program is also offered through the Department for those who have diabetes.