POTSDAM -- The St. Lawrence Health Initiative has received full recognition from the Centers for Disease Control Diabetes Prevention Recognition Program (DPRP) for its successful implementation of the National Diabetes Prevention Program in St. Lawrence County.

The Health Initiative, 6439 State Hwy 56, began implementing the Diabetes Prevention Program in September, 2013. Nine year-long programs have been completed, and four programs are currently underway.

The purpose of DPRP is to recognize organizations that have demonstrated their ability to effectively deliver a proven type 2 diabetes prevention lifestyle intervention.

Participants include those diagnosed as prediabetic by blood glucose test, and those at high risk for Type 2 Diabetes, based on a prediabetes screening test. Guided by a trained lifestyle coach, groups of 8-12 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 prediabetes — 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 prediabetes will develop type 2 diabetes within 3 years if they do not take steps to prevent it.

One in three American adults has prediabetes, so the need for prevention has never been greater. The DPP 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. DPP groups meet once a week for 16 weeks, then once a month for 6 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.

The Diabetes Prevention Program is based on research that showed that people with prediabetes who lost 5 to 7 percent of their body weight (10 to 14 pounds for a 200-pound person) by making modest changes reduced their risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 58 percent.

Nationwide implementation of the program could save the U.S. health care system $5.7 billion and prevent about 885,000 future cases of type 2 diabetes, a serious condition that can lead to health problems including heart attack; stroke; blindness; kidney failure; or loss of toes, feet, or legs.

“Small changes can add up to a big difference,” said Linda Caamaño, coordinator of the program. “Working with a trained lifestyle coach who provides guidance, DPP participants are making lasting changes together.”

People are more likely to have prediabetes and type 2 diabetes if they: Are 45 years of age or older; overweight; Have a family history of type 2 diabetes; are physically active fewer than three times per week; or have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes during pregnancy or gave birth to a baby weighing more than 9 pounds.

To participate in the Health Inititative’s Diabetes Prevention Program, contact Linda at 261-4760 ext. 230 or linda@gethealthyslc.org. To learn more visit gethealthyslc.org.