Did you know 1 in 11 Americans today has diabetes?

Despite its prevalence, diabetes is an invisible disease. Often there are no outward signs from the 29 million Americans who fight this chronic illness every day, and many do not even know they have this disease. That’s why there is a critical need to bring awareness and education while breaking down stereotypes, myths and misunderstandings about this growing public health crisis that affects so many Americans.

Statistics show:

— Every 23 seconds someone in the U.S. is diagnosed with diabetes.

— 86 million Americans are at risk for diabetes.

— Diabetes causes more deaths than AIDS and Breast Cancer combined.

With this being said, it is important to recognize that many times, type 2 diabetes can be prevented. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Diabetes Prevention Recognition Program (DPRP) is a key component of the Nationals Diabetes Prevention Program. The purpose of the DPRP is to recognize programs that have shown that they can effectively deliver a proven lifestyle change program (in person, virtual, or via distance learning) to prevent type 2 diabe

This proven program can help people with prediabetes and/or at risk for type 2 diabetes make achievable and realistic lifestyle changes and cut their risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 58 percent.

To be eligible for referral to a CDC-recognized lifestyle change program, patients must meet the following requirements:

— Be at least 18 yearsold,

— Be overweight (BMI ≥ 24)

— Have established risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes, or

— Be diagnosed with prediabetes within the past year or previously diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) while pregnant.

The program is offered at The Clark County Health Department and classes begin at 4:45 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 5. Pre-registration is required.

This year-long lifestyle change program consists of sixteen sessions during the first six months, which may be presented in person or via distance learning. Sessions are led by a trained lifestyle coach. The program follow a CDC-approved curriculum that is based on evidence from efficacy and effectiveness trials.

At least six sessions during the last six months to reinforce and build on content. For evaluation of performance, programs recognized by the DPRP submit evaluation data to the DPRP every 12 months with data on participants’ progress in their classes.

Call the Clark County Health Department at 744-4482 to find out about the cost of the program or email Amy Williams, MS, RD, LD at amyw.williams@ky.gov for more information.

Clark County Health Department provides programs for the entire family, including Cooper Clayton, WIC, HANDS, family planning, well child care/immunizations and home health care. For more information on all of our service, please call 744-4482 or visit clarkhealthdept.org.