YMCA announces Diabetes Prevention Program in Rutherford &Cleveland counties

The Cleveland County YMCA announced Jan. 20 the receipt of a grant from the Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust to work with Diabetes Prevention in Cleveland and Rutherford Counties. The grant allocation for Rutherford County is close to $120,000 and will be used for staffing, training and supplies. 

“In 2012 we sought a Kate B. Reynolds grant in Cleveland County to offer this program,” said Cameron Corder, CEO of the Cleveland County YMCA. “What we found was that participants averaged a 6.4 percent weight loss, and there was a 78 percent retention rate.”

The YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program (YDPP), he continued, has had tremendous success not only in Cleveland County, but across the country. 

“It is not a weight loss or diet program,” he added. “It is a lifestyle change.” 

According to the Centers for Disease Control, diabetes affects almost 26 million people and is a precursor to other health problems. In Rutherford County, Corder estimated that there are 16,000 adults who have yet to be diagnosed as having diabetes. 

The YDPP is for individuals who are nearing the clinical definition of type 2 diabetes but can still be helped. Physicians will refer these patients to the YMCA. Participants will meet for weekly group sessions for a 16 week period to learn about portion control, diet and the amount of physical activity needed to halt the progression of diabetes. Lifestyle coaches provide monthly follow up support for a year. 

Gary McKinney, who participated in the program through his employer, spoke at the announcement. He had no family history of diabetes and was shocked to learn he was pre-diabetic. 

“It was like being hit with a cinderblock,” he said. 

McKinney lost 18 pounds during the program, but more importantly learned proper nutrition and activity needed daily. 

“The whole purpose was diabetes, but it’s amazing that it fixed so many other things,” McKinney said. 

Several jobs will be created by the grant, Corder said. Positions include a coordinator and relationship manager, which will be half time positions with the potential to grow to full time. Lifestyle coaches will also be hired. 

More info on the program can be found online at www.CleveCoymca.org or Facebook.com/pages/Rutherford-County-NC-YMCA-Movement.