DIABETES PREVENTION PROGRAM
Living with Type 2 diabetes can be a challenging and life-altering experience. While there are many treatments available to manage diabetes, preventing it altogether is always the best course of action. The YMCA has launched an incredibly effective program aimed at helping individuals prevent diabetes through healthy living. This program has already helped countless individuals make lifestyle changes that have positively impacted their health and overall well-being.
The YMCA’s diabetes prevention program is a life-changing initiative designed to empower individuals to take control of their health and prevent the onset of diabetes. Diabetes has become a global epidemic, affecting millions of people worldwide. It is a chronic condition that can lead to serious health complications if left unmanaged. However, with the right knowledge, support, and lifestyle changes, it is possible to prevent or delay the development of diabetes.
Diabetes Prevention & Management Program
Diabetes is often called the “silent killer” because of its easy-to-miss symptoms.
We are in the mist of a devastating epidemic that is affects more than 100 million people in the US alone.
Diabetes can result in an array of altering side effects that can lead to serious complications.
- Heart and blood vessel damage
- Nerve damage
- Kidney damage
- Loss of vision
- Hearing impairment
- Skin infections
- Alzheimer’s disease
Diabetes Prevention Program is for those who are those who are high risk for developing Type 2 Diabetes and/or have been diagnosed with prediabetes. It is a year-long programs with 26 support classroom sessions. Participants learn about healthy eating and increasing physical activity to reduce risk of diabetes.
Participants must meet the following criteria:
- Must be 18 or older,
- Overweight/obese (BMI > 25)
- High risk for developing type 2 diabetes, or have been diagnosed with prediabetes.
Prevent T2 Curriculum
Prevent T2 curriculum is a yearlong program. It’s designed for people with prediabetes. It’s also for people who are at high risk for type 2 diabetes and want to lower their risk.

How the program works:
The YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program is part of CDC led National Diabetes Prevention Program. It gets to the root of the diabetes epidemic by helping those at high risk of developing the disease make lifestyle changes. The program focuses on healthy eating, physical activity and weight management. The program goals are to reduce body weight by 7% and increase physical activity by 150 minutes per week.
Program Goals
By the end of the first six months, your goal is to:
- Lose at least 5 to 7 percent of your starting weight
- Get at least 150 minutes of physical activity each week
By the end of the second six months, your goal is to:
- Keep off the weight you’ve lost
- Keep working toward your goal weight, if you haven’t reached it
- Lose more weight if you wish
- Keep getting at least 150 minutes of activity each week
Losing weight can:
- Prevent or delay type 2 diabetes
- Ease sleep problems, arthritis, and depression
- Lower your blood pressure and cholesterol level
- Make you feel better about yourself
Participants will:
Participants in the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program (Prevent T2) will meet in a classroom setting as a group with a trained YMCA lifestyle coach for 16 weekly core sessions. During the sessions, they learn how to make healthier food choices, how to incorporate more physical activity into their daily routine and how to manage a healthy weight. After the initial 16 core sessions, participants meet monthly for added support to help them maintain their progress.
Getting more active can:
- Prevent or delay type 2 diabetes
- Give you more energy
- Help you sleep better
- Improve your memory, balance, and flexibility
- Lift your mood
- Lower your blood pressure and cholesterol
- Lower your risk of heart attack and stroke
- Lower your stress level
- Strengthen your muscles and bones
Fees
There is a fee associated with this program. Payment plans as well as financial assistance are available. Enrollment in the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program includes a free adult membership (value of $780)

Sign up
Sessions run September – August and January – December. Each class is a year long program. For more information about the Diabetes Prevention Program CONTACT:
Erin Widener
Healthy Community Director
YMCA OF ALASKA
Phone: 907-563-3211
Email: erin@ymcaalaska.org
Secure Email for Referrals: hcc@ymcaalaska.hush.com


