What Is Type 2 Diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. Most of the food we eat is turned into glucose, or sugar, for our bodies to use for energy. The pancreas, an organ that lies near the stomach, makes a hormone called insulin to help glucose get into the cells of our bodies. When you have type 2 diabetes, your body can’t use its own insulin as well as it should. This causes sugar to build up in your blood.
Type 2 diabetes is a serious condition. It can lead to health issues such as heart attack; stroke; blindness; kidney failure; or loss of toes, feet, or legs.
What Is Prediabetes?
Prediabetes is a blood glucose (sugar) level that is higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. One in three American adults has prediabetes, and most do not even know they have it. If you have prediabetes and do not lose weight or do moderate physical activity, you can develop type 2 diabetes within 5 years.
Am I at Risk for Prediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes?
You are at increased risk for developing prediabetes and type 2 diabetes if you:
Are 45 years of age or older;
If you think you may be at risk, a health care provider can do a blood test to see if you have diabetes or prediabetes
Your Prevent T2 Lifestyle Coach
Prevent T2 lifestyle coaches have the experience and training to help you reach your goals. Your lifestyle coach will help you:
- Learn the facts about healthy eating and physical activity and explain how these behaviors will help reduce your risk for type 2 diabetes
- Set and meet your goals
- Build relationships with other participants
- Work as a group to meet challenges
- Trained lifestyle coach
- CDC-approved curriculum
- Group support
- Year-long program — weekly for 6 months, then 1–2 times a month
What Is the Benefit of Being Part of a Prevent T2 Program?
As part of a PreventT2 group, you will work with other participants and a trained lifestyle coach to learn the skills you need to make lasting changes. These changes include losing a modest amount of weight, being more physically active, and managing stress
Being part of a group provides support from other people who are facing similar challenges and trying to make the same changes you are. Together you can celebrate successes and find ways to overcome obstacles.
Where Can I Participate in a Prevent T2 Program?
Some insurance plans will cover the cost for Prevent T2. Check with your insurance provider to see if Prevent T2 is covered.
What Is the Format of the Prevent T2 Program?
Prevent T2 groups meet for a year — weekly for the first 6 months, then once or twice a month for the second 6 months to maintain healthy lifestyle changes. During each session, your lifestyle coach will teach a lesson and lead a group discussion. For example, you will learn to: Eat healthy Add physical activity to your life Manage stress
Does Prevent T2 Work?
The Prevent T2 program can help people with prediabetes cut their risk of developing type 2 diabetes in half. The Diabetes Prevention Program research study showed that making modest behavior changes helped participants lose 5 to 7 percent of their body weight — that is 10 to 14 pounds for a person weighing 200 pounds. These lifestyle changes reduced the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 58 percent in people with prediabetes.