As the pre-diabetes rate continues to rise, few Chester residents know that they are at risk. The Chester Family YMCA is encouraging local residents to learn their risks for pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes, and to take preventive steps to potentially reduce their chances of developing the disease.
New statistics for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that one in four Americans (86 million people) have pre-diabetes, up from 79 million in 2010. Pre-diabetes is a condition in which a person’s blood glucose is elevated, but not high enough for a diabetes diagnosis. Only 10 percent of those with prediabetes know they have it. With awareness and simple actions, people with pre-diabetes may prevent the onset of diabetes.
“As the number of new people with pre-diabetes continues to rise, it is important residents of Chester understand what a pre-diabetes diagnosis means, and options available to reverse course,” said Jana Smith, Association Director of Community Health for the YMCA of Greater Richmond. “Fortunately, simple lifestyle changes can greatly reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and the Y can help people make the necessary changes to improve health.”
