Education and awareness are two of important steps a person can take to reduce his or her risk of developing diabetes. An estimated 17 million Americans are living with pre-diabetes. Close to six million are unaware of their condition. Pre-diabetes is a condition that indicates a person is at-risk for developing diabetes. But having pre-diabetes does not mean a person has to develop diabetes.
To educate people about their risks, the Lancaster General Diabetes and Nutrition Center offers a Pre-Diabetes Program.
Pre-diabetes risk factors include:
- Family members with diabetes
- Being overweight
- High blood pressure
- High triglycerides or low HDL (good) cholesterol
- Gestational diabetes or delivering a baby weighing more than nine pounds.
Screening for diabetes involves checking blood sugar levels.
Lancaster General’s program involves an explanation of pre-diabetes and how to make lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of developing diabetes. A registered dietitian, nurse educator and exercise physiologist will share information.
To find out upcoming dates, call the Diabetes & Nutrition Center at 544-5923.