You can avoid developing diabetes. And we’ll show you how.
Diabetes is a disease that generally requires life-long care. Once you develop it, you must take active steps to not only control your blood sugar but also avoid diabetes-related health problems. These can include heart disease, stroke, nerve damage, eye disease and kidney disease, among others.
The good news: You can avoid developing diabetes. Most people have a condition called prediabetes before they develop diabetes. Prediabetes means your blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough for a diabetes diagnosis. Nearly one-third of people with prediabetes will develop diabetes within five years.
A key step in avoiding diabetes is to recognize and treat prediabetes. You should be checked for prediabetes if you:
Are overweight
Are 45 years or older
Have a parent or sibling with type 2 diabetes
Are not physically active at least three times a week
Had gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy) or gave birth to a baby that weighed more than nine pounds
Are African-American, Hispanic/Latino, American Indian, Pacific Islander or Asian American
The ParTNers Center can screen you for prediabetes.
The DPP can help!
The Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) is designed to help prevent or delay type 2 diabetes. More specifically, your goal as a DPP participant is to lower your risk for type 2 diabetes by losing at least 7% of your body weight through increased physical activity and healthier eating. Classes are led by licensed Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Lindsey Joe.
Orientation: Monday, July 8 at 12 p.m.
Weekly sessions: Mondays at noon, July 15-November 4 (one holiday on September 2 for Labor Day)
As a participant, you’ll get:
16 weekly, in-person sessions to teach you how healthy eating and physical activity can help reduce your risk
Nutrition counseling, including tips for grocery shopping, healthy recipes and more
Group support to motivate and inspire you to make healthier choices
A CDC-approved curriculum with tips to stay on track
Six months of support following the 16 weekly sessions
You may be eligible for the DPP if you meet all of the following criteria:
Are at least 18 years old and
Are overweight and
Have no previous diagnosis of type 1 or type 2 diabetes and
Have a blood test result in the prediabetes range within the past year:
A1c: 5.7–6.4% or
Fasting glucose: 100-125 or
Two-hour oral glucose: 140-199 or
Have been previously diagnosed with gestational diabetes
Call the ParTNers Center at 615-741-1709 for a screening appointment. If you have already been diagnosed with diabetes, you will not be eligible for the DPP.
Meet Lindsey Joe
RDN, LDN, Middle TN Regional Wellness Coordinator
Lindsey Joe is a licensed Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) with expertise in weight management. Lindsey received her bachelor’s degree in Human Ecology from the University of Tennessee and completed the Dietetic Internship Program at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. In her spare time, she likes to test recipes, explore new restaurants and hit up group exercise classes.
Classes kick off in July
In July, we will kick off our summer Diabetes Prevention Program class for people who are at risk but want to avoid developing diabetes. The program is completely FREE for those enrolled in the State Group Health Insurance Plan who qualify. Simply call the ParTNers Center at 615-741-1709 for a screening appointment. At (or shortly after) your visit, you’ll find out if you qualify for DPP. But hurry; space is limited.