Albany Times Union

Take Charge of Your Diabetes in 2021

- By Katie Cameron, MPH, BSW Site Coordinato­r Diabetes Prevention Program 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.

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