CANTON -- The St. Lawrence Health Initiative is offering a diabetes prevention program.

The program is guided by a trained lifestyle coach, groups of participants learn the skills they need to make lasting changes such as losing a modest amount of weight, being more physically active, and managing stress.

People with pre-diabetes — higher-than-normal blood glucose (sugar) levels — are 5 to 15 times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than those with normal blood glucose levels. In fact, many people with pre-diabetes will develop type two diabetes within three years if they do not take steps to prevent it.

According to a health initiative release, one in three American adults has prediabetes, so the need for prevention has never been greater. The Diabetes Prevention Program offers a proven approach to preventing or delaying the onset of type 2 diabetes through modest lifestyle changes made with the support of a coach and one’s peers.

Participants learn how to eat healthy, add physical activity to their routine, manage stress, stay motivated, and solve problems that can get in the way of healthy changes. Diabetes Prevention Program groups meet once a week for 16 weeks, then once a month for six months to maintain healthy lifestyle changes.

The program’s group setting provides a supportive environment with people who are facing similar challenges and trying to make the same changes. Together participants celebrate their successes and find ways to overcome obstacles.

To learn more or to enroll in the Diabetes Prevention Program, call Linda Caamaño, Program Coordinator at the Health Initiative, 315-261-4760 x230 or visit gethealthyslc.org and/or www.cdc.gov/diabetes/prevention.