DECATUR, Ga. – DeKalb County residents can learn how to prevent type 2 diabetes through the PreventT2 program offered by the DeKalb County Board of Health. Guided by a trained lifestyle coach, participants will learn how to make lasting changes, such as losing a modest amount of weight, being more physically active and managing stress.

People with prediabetes — higher-than-normal blood glucose (sugar) levels — are five to 15 times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than those with normal levels. In fact, up to 30 percent of people with prediabetes can develop type 2 diabetes within five years.

“One in three American adults has prediabetes, so the need for prevention has never been greater,” said Chronic Disease Prevention Coordinator and Lifestyle Coach Omatola Gordon-Rose, MPH, DrPH.  “The PreventT2 program offers a proven approach to preventing or delaying the onset of type 2 diabetes through modest lifestyle changes made with the support of a coach and one’s peers.”

Participants will learn how to eat healthy, add physical activity to their routine, manage stress, stay motivated and solve problems that can get in the way of healthy changes.

PreventT2 groups meet for a year, weekly for the first six months, then once or twice a month for the second six months. The group setting provides a supportive environment for people who are facing similar challenges and making the same changes. Together, participants overcome obstacles and celebrate successes.

PreventT2 is part of the National Diabetes Prevention Program, led by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The Board of Health’s program is the first of its kind in DeKalb County. All classes will be held at the Richardson Health Center in Decatur. The program is free.

To qualify for PreventT2, applicants must live in DeKalb County and:

• Be at least 18 years of age, and
• Be overweight (have a body mass index of  >24), and
• Have risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes;

or

• Have been diagnosed with prediabetes within the past 12 months or previously diagnosed with gestational diabetes.

PreventT2 is based on research that shows that people with prediabetes who lost 5 to 7 percent of their body weight (10 to 14 pounds for a 200-pound person) by making modest changes reduced their risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 58 percent.

“Small changes can add up to a big difference,” added Gordon-Rose. “By working with a lifestyle coach, PreventT2 participants can make lasting changes.”

Information sessions will be held on the following Wednesdays:  Sept. 26 and Oct. 3 and 10.  They will be from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Richardson Health Center, DeKalb County Board of Health, 445 Winn Way, Decatur.  For assistance, call (404) 508-7847 or email DeKalb.OCDP@dph.ga.gov.