As the new year dawns, you may be thinking it is time to lose a few pounds.

What you may not be thinking about is prediabetes, a serious health condition that increases one’s risk for developing type 2 diabetes. One in three adults in the nation has prediabetes.

If you discover you are at risk, what can you do? Join a group of other adults with prediabetes in the Diabetes Prevention Program at the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment! DPP is a lifestyle-change program that helps people with prediabetes lose weight and increase physical activity, which can help reduce your risk.

One participant from the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment’s DPP, says, “The program emphasizes small changes in diet and exercise to improve your health and it really works! I’ve lost 13 pounds.”

Studies show that DPP participants can lower their risk of developing type 2 diabetes by as much as 58% (71% if you’re over age 60). Many participants also see their A1c levels drop from the “prediabetes” to “normal” range. In fact, in our most recent group of DPP participants, 56% saw a reduction of blood glucose levels from the “prediabetes” range to the “normal” range without the use of medication.

Find the support you need to reduce your risk for type 2 diabetes! New DPP classes are starting in February. To learn more or sign up, contact Anne Hayse, registered dietitian at JCDHE, at 913-477-8128 or anne.hayse@jocogov.org.