Written by Emily Topp, MS, RDN, LD
“I’ve seen numbers on the scale that I haven’t seen in years thanks to the GemCare Wellness Diabetes Prevention Program!” – 2019 DPP Participant
Did you know that 1 out of every 3 American adults has prediabetes? Additionally, of those with prediabetes, more than 8 out of 10 of them don’t even know that they have it. If those with prediabetes do not take action, they run the risk of developing type 2 diabetes within 5 years.1
COULD THIS BE YOU?
GemCare Wellness is delivering a Free, Virtual Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) to assist participants in achieving their personal health goals, along with reducing their risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The overall goal of the DPP is for participants to lose 5% of their starting body weight and to average at least 150 minutes of physical activity per week. For high-risk individuals, achieving these goals reduces their chance of developing type 2 diabetes by 58%. Since 2017, class participants have exceeded these goals and lost more than 6.4% of their starting body weight while averaging over 200 minutes of physical activity per week!
This year-long, evidence-based intervention program is no-charge* and open to anyone who has been diagnosed with prediabetes or those who may be at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Our classes provide participants with the tools to make lifestyle changes, including dietary improvements and an increase in physical activity, along with a support group that includes individuals with similar goals and challenges. Our Registered Dietitians are dedicated to helping participants make positive, long-lasting changes, one step at a time.
Are you at risk? Take our Prediabetes Risk Test today!
WHAT MAKES OUR PROGRAM UNIQUE?
While most DPPs use health coaches to teach their sessions, our program is led by a team of Registered, Licensed Dietitians who are healthcare experts. They will be available to you during and between classes to answer any questions you may have!
All classes are virtual, making it easy to join from the comfort of your own home! To secure your spot and begin your journey to better health, click below.
*Program free of charge to participants. Funded by the Ohio Department of Health.
Sources:
- “About Prediabetes & Type 2 Diabetes.” National Diabetes Prevention Program, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Apr. 2019, www.cdc.gov/diabetes/prevention/about-prediabetes.html.
Written by Amanda, Woodhall, MS, RD/LD
Wouldn’t it be great if there was one universal test that could determine just how healthy we are, warn us about potential chronic conditions, and provide proactive solutions?
Unfortunately, each of our unique identifiers makes a universal test impossible. Instead, we have to look at individual family health history, lifestyle, diets, activity levels, stress, and even sleep. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being – and not merely the absence of disease or illness.1
Common areas of concern for most include being overweight, being pre-diabetic, and having high cholesterol, and/or high blood pressure. Left untreated, these conditions increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, or stroke.2 Therefore, you need to be proactive in your health management, starting with a true assessment of your current health.
We have a few ways to assess your health:
- Implement a healthy lifestyle and regular exercise routine, which are crucial to improving your health. It’s possible to manage many chronic conditions through lifestyle changes. Start by creating food, exercise, and sleep logs to help you, your physician, and/or your Registered Dietitian (RD) create a realistic plan and set achievable goals. It’s also essential to learn how to manage your stress. Let’s face it: We all encounter stress, but it doesn’t have to control you.
- Conduct regular blood pressure checks. Chronic high blood pressure can contribute to heart attacks and strokes. A target blood pressure range is typically lower than 120/80,3 and you’ll work with your healthcare team to determine the right range for you. Pairing your regular blood pressure checks with your log from Step 1 can help you and your healthcare team develop a treatment plan for high blood pressure.
- Measure the size of your waist by wrapping a tape measure around your waist, making sure to keep it straight, not too tight or too loose, and in line with your belly button.4 Research has linked excessive abdominal fat to chronic diseases, such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes, so it’s good practice to keep an eye on your waist circumference. Men should aim for a waist circumference size under 40 inches, and women should aim for under 35 inches.4
- Schedule your annual physical. I think most of us dread going to the doctor. However, your annual physical is essential and should be routine. “By getting the right health services, screenings and treatments, you are taking steps that help your chances for living a longer, healthier life,”5 according to the CDC. Your doctor can assess your health through lab work that may include a full lipid panel and Hgb A1c. These labs will provide data on your cholesterol, LDL and HDL levels, and triglycerides. Doctors use these tests to diagnose and evaluate your risk for heart disease, high cholesterol, hypertension (high blood pressure) and diabetes. Be sure to talk to your doctor about any concerns you may have regarding your self-assessment, current diet and exercise routine. Talk with your doctor to determine how often you should get lab work done. Before you go, be sure to check out what the Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends you prepare for your visit.
It is important to know that support and motivation are critical in achieving your goals. However, you don’t have to take my word for it. I have helped many members achieve their goals by providing personalized nutrition plans, including meal planning, monthly calls to assess progress, motivational messages, and educational materials.
“We did it! I weighed in this morning at 218.6. It was the coaching that made the difference!! I am very grateful for the guidance and encouragement you provided as I started my journey to wellness through weight loss. – GemCare Wellness Member
With all the nutrition information that is out there, it can get confusing. Registered Dietitians are accredited healthcare professionals who provide reliable and evidenced-based nutrition information. If you are interested in finding out more about services from GemCare Wellness, please visit https://www.gemcarewellness.com/nutravantage/. We would love to work with you!
Here are some great resources you should check out!
Sources:
- https://www.who.int/about/who-we-are/frequently-asked-questions
- https://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-risk/prevention/overweight
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/the-facts-about-high-blood-pressure
- https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/obesity-prevention-source/obesity-definition/abdominal-obesity
- https://www.cdc.gov/family/checkup/index.htm
