Diabetes is becoming increasingly common in the United States, in part
related to the increased rate of weight gain and obesity. Over 4000 people
are diagnosed with diabetes in the US
every day, and there are many more who have diabetes but remained undiagnosed.
Almost 75% of diabetes risk in the United States is attributed to or associated
with excess body weight. While obesity rates continue to climb, there
is some good news. A study called the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP)
showed that modest weight loss and exercise could delay or prevent diabetes.
In fact, in this study so-called “lifestyle modification”
was more effective than a medication that is commonly used to treat diabetes
and prediabetes!
Because the Diabetes Prevention Program was so effective, it has now been
made available for use in communities like ours. Valley Health’s
Diabetes Management Program staff have attended special training to be
able to provide this intensive 12-month lifestyle change program. This
program, which is recognized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
can help individuals who are at risk make lasting changes to prevent or
delay the onset of type 2 diabetes and lower risk of heart disease.
The program provides coaching from health professionals to help individuals
develop the skills they need to lose weight, be more physically active,
manage stress and stay motivated to continue solving problems that may
get in the way of making these positive changes. This program is available
at Valley Health hospitals across the region, and currently there is no
charge to attend!
This program is open to anyone 18 years of age or older who is normal or
overweight, has risk factors for diabetes, and does not already have a
diagnosis of diabetes.
For more information on how you can sign up for this exciting new program, visit
www.valleyhealthlink.com/Diabetes or contact the Diabetes Management Program at your local Valley Health hospital:
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Hampshire Memorial Hospital, Romney, WV: 304-822-2198
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Page Memorial Hospital, Luray, VA: 540-843-4523
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Shenandoah Memorial Hospital, Woodstock, VA: 540-459-1252
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War Memorial Hospital, Berkeley Springs, WV: 304-258-6519
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Warren Memorial Hospital, Front Royal, VA: 540-636-0314
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Winchester Medical Center, Winchester, VA: 540-536-5108