Why are so many people pre-diabetic?

Unfortunately, many lifestyles do not include enough physical activity or healthy eating.

There are ways to find out if you have pre-diabetes.

Your doctor can order a fasting blood-sugar test. A level of 100 mg/dl is normal, 100-125 is pre-diabetes, and over 126 is diabetes. The American Diabetes Association recommends visiting your doctor for a test one or more of the following applies:

• You are overweight.
• You are 45 years old or older.
• Have a family history of diabetes.
• You are African-American, Alaska Native, Hispanic Latino or Pacific Islander American.
• Have hypertension (high blood pressure) or high cholesterol.
• Participate in physical activity fewer than three times per week.
• Had gestational diabetes (in pregnancy) or gave birth to a baby 9 pounds or more.

Unfortunately, too many people are at risk for diabetes and just don’t know where to start.

As I mentioned in a column about a year ago, the Rowan County YMCA started a diabetes prevention program for people with a risk of getting diabetes.

Eating healthy and exercising regularly can be overwhelming. There is no “quick fix” or miracle diet.

We are ready to start a new session, and there are three spots left for a 10 a.m. Thursday class. Our first class just graduated and did amazing. All participants attended all 25 sessions (spread out over a year), and all surpassed their weight-loss goal. Most important, they increased their physical activity and are eating a more healthful diet.

Everyone in the group feels their overall health has improved, and everyone also says their self-esteem has improved.

Let’s face it, we all know how hard it is. There is a billion-dollar industry trying to sell you the “quick fixes” from potions to pills to powders to eradicate this or that from your diet. There isn’t a quick fix. And would you want to live on uncooked vegetables alone?

The YMCA diabetes prevention program is paid for by most insurance companies. If your insurance doesn’t pay, there is financial assistance available.

I have seen such great results with the ones who just finished this program. Most important, they have been given the tools to continue this healthy, very tasty and most doable lifestyle.

Throughout this year, you will learn how to count your fats, how to eat less fat, move more, read labels and analyze food choices, and so much more.

Are you a stress eater? The class teaches you how to deal with your emotions so you won’t go for those excessive calories.

How about staying motivated? This is the hardest thing in any program, especially where eating healthier and moving more are concerned.

This small group setting is facilitated by a specially trained lifestyle coach who will give you the support you need and deserve.

Why am I so sure? I have seen the amazing changes of the group that just finished.

The YMCA diabetes prevention program is compliant with HIPAA laws. This past session has been so successful many of the participants have shared their story.

If you are interested in this program or need more information, contact Laurie Ward, diabetes prevention program manager, at 704-216-9622 or email lward@rowanymca.org.

It’s never too late, you are never too old and there isn’t a test you have to pass to attend. If you have been told you have pre-diabetes or have a high chance to become pre-diabetic, just try it. The 100 percent attendance rate for our first session says it all.

Ester H. Marsh is health and fitness director of J.F. Hurley YMCA.