PMH Lifeline

Free Pre-Diabetes Class

Have you ever been told by a healthcare professional that you have high blood sugar, borderline diabetes or pre-diabetes? If so, you might be at risk for type 2 diabetes.

The Centers for Disease Control and Protection estimate that more than 79 million Americans have pre- diabetes and many do not even know it. Most people with pre-diabetes will go on to develop diabetes within 10 years. West Virginia leads the nation in diabetes rates, with about 12 percent of our population living with diabetes. The good news is that there is something you can do about it.

Pocahontas Memorial Hospital is proud to offer a National Diabetes Prevention Program for the community called “Group Lifestyle Balance.” This is an evidence-based lifestyle change program that is uniquely designed to prevent or delay Type 2 diabetes. It is a year-long program in which participants regularly meet as a group and work with a trained Lifestyle Coach to make modest lifestyle changes. The program is proven to help people lose weight and lower their risk of Type 2 diabetes by 58 percent.

The group meets weekly for 16 core sessions and then monthly for six post-core sessions. This program typically costs $350 dollars per person, but the class will be offered completely free to our community through a grant from the Snowshoe Foundation.

A short Informational Meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 15, at noon at the Wellness Center in Marlinton. Attending this meeting puts you under no obligation to participate in the program. If you have pre-diabetes or have been told that you are at high risk, please attend this meeting to learn more about how to “make a change for life.”

If you have any questions or cannot attend but would like more information, contact Susan Wilkins at 799-7400 ext. 1009.