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Will County Health Department recommends residents take classes for prediabetes, diabetes

The Herald News - 7/25/2017

JOLIET ? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported that 8.5 percent of Will County residents, totaling over 57,000 people, have diabetes. Beyond that, there are thousands more who have prediabetes.

This is why the Will County Health Department encourages community members to take advantage of the local diabetes prevention programs facilitated by the Greater Joliet Area YMCA, and also by the Will-Grundy Medical Clinic.

These programs are for adults 18 and older who are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes. YMCA Health and Wellness Director Susan Krause said those at risk must realize that you should not just sit around and wait for diabetes to take over your body.

These one-year classes with a CDC-approved curriculum begin with 16 weekly sessions, followed by monthly sessions, of emphasizing healthier eating, more physical activity and advice on how to deal with stress and times when you need to get back on track.

The program's specific goals talk about a 7 percent decrease in body weight, as well as increasing physical activity to 150 minutes per week. The National Institute of Health has reported that these type of Diabetes Prevention Programs can reduce the number of new cases of type 2 diabetes by 58 percent overall, and 71 percent in adults over 50.

To determine your risk for type 2 diabetes, visit https://doihaveprediabetes.org/.

YMCA Diabetes Prevention Programs are scheduled for later this spring at Presence St. Joseph Medical Center (333 N. Madison in Joliet) and at the C.W. Avery Family YMCA (15120 Wallin Drive in Plainfield).

For information, contact Krause at 815-267-8600, ext. 214, or emailing skrause@jolietymca.org.

A number of resources are also available through the Will County Health Department'sChronic Disease and School Health program. For information, call 815-727-8864.