LiveSmart: Take Charge of Your Diabetes in 2021

[This story was written by Katie Cameron, MPH, BSW, Site Coordinator for the Diabetes Prevention Program at St. Peter’s Diabetes and Endocrine Care] 

Is taking charge of your health one of your goals for 2021? Your health is more important than ever. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), patients with underlying conditions, including diabetes, are at greater risk for severe illness upon contracting COVID-19.

St. Peter’s Health Partners can help individuals with prediabetes from developing type 2 diabetes and lower their risk of future health complications.

Having prediabetes means your blood glucose (sugar) level is higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. Without weight loss or moderate physical activity, many people with prediabetes can develop Type 2 diabetes within five years. Type 2 diabetes is a serious condition that can lead to health issues such as heart attack, stroke, blindness, or kidney failure.

But, how do you know if you have prediabetes? Take the CDC’s self-assessment at www.sphp.com/dpp

If you scored a five or greater on the quiz, or have previously been diagnosed with prediabetes by your physician, you are eligible to participate in a FREE virtual diabetes prevention program by St. Peter’s Diabetes & Endocrine Care.

Our virtual program includes:

• A CDC-approved curriculum
• The skills you need to lose weight, be more physically active and manage stress
• A trained lifestyle coach to guide and encourage you
• Support from other participants with the same goals as you
• Follow-up meetings to help you maintain a healthy lifestyle

Diet and exercise with weight loss are proven preventive measures against the development of Type 2 diabetes. St. Peter’s Diabetes & Endocrine Care can help you on your journey to take control of your health.

Our next program begins Wednesday, Jan. 20! Visit www.sphp.com/DPP for more information and to register. There are a limited number of spots – if registration is full, please email Katie.Cameron@sphp.com to be placed on the wait list.