The YMCA knows that the best way to reduce new cases of type 2 diabetes is prevention—and awareness is the first step to prevention. With only 10 percent of the 86 million Americans aware of their condition, the Y understands that it will take everyone working together to increase this number. The Sarasota YMCA is joining Ys across the country, and other national organizations committed to addressing the diabetes epidemic, in an effort to help 1 million more Americans learn their risk for type 2 diabetes. 

In the United States alone, diabetes affects nearly 29 million people and another 86 million Americans have prediabetes, yet only about 9 million are aware of it.

The nation’s struggle with obesity and type 2 diabetes is no surprise, but the number of people with prediabetes is a growing issue, especially when only 10 percent realize they have the condition. Prediabetes is an often preventable condition in which individuals have blood glucose levels that are higher than normal, but not high enough to be classified as diabetes. They can reduce their risk for developing type 2 diabetes by adopting behavior changes that include eating healthier, increasing physical activity, and losing a modest amount of weight. People with prediabetes are at risk for not only developing type 2 diabetes, but also heart disease, stroke and other conditions.

As a leading voice on improving the nation’s health and well-being, the Y encourages all adults to learn their risk for type 2 diabetes by taking a risk test at www.ymca.net/diabetes. Several factors that could put a person at risk for type 2 diabetes include family history, age, weight and activity level, among others.

Some basic lifestyle changes that contribute to weight loss and an increased focus on healthy living can decrease the risk for type 2 diabetes. Among these are: 

- Eat fruits and vegetables every day.

- Choose fish, lean meats and poultry without skin.

- Aim for whole grains with every meal.

- Be moderately active at least 30 minutes per day five days a week.

- Choose water to drink instead of beverages with added sugar.

- Speak to your doctor about your diabetes risk factors, especially if you have a family history of the disease or are overweight.

Sarasota YMCA