Brattleboro hospital to offer diabetes prevention program

Jan. 04--BRATTLEBORO -- A free diabetes prevention program will be offered at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital this month.

The program, based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's diabetes prevention program, aims to help adults at high risk of developing Type 2 diabetes improve their overall health and well-being. The program encourages participants to become physically active, lose weight and keep their weight down, according to a news release from the hospital.

Participants will learn to track their food intake and activity levels, how to cook and select healthy foods and ways to reduce stress.

Door prizes include cooking equipment and day passes to the Keene Family YMCA. Program participants will also receive a CalorieKing book, which lists the nutritional value of foods.

The program involves meetings over one year in a supportive, small-group environment. Initially, participants will meet weekly for 16 weeks, and then every other week for four weeks, followed by monthly meetings for six months.

The class will meet Thursdays from 4:30-5:30 p.m. at the Tyler Conference Room beginning Jan. 18.

Participants must be at least 18, overweight (a BMI greater than 25) and at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Risk factors include a blood test that shows pre-diabetes, such as high fasting sugar levels or high levels of hemoglobin A1C, a marker of blood sugar levels over time. The program is open to 10 to 12 participants for the yearlong sequence that starts Jan. 18. At least three other cycles will be held in 2018.

Pre-registration is required. For questions or to register, contact Elisha Underwood at 802-257-8867 or email eunderwood@bmhvt.org.

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