STILLWATER, Okla. – Oklahoma State University Extension will host a virtual informational session on its upcoming National Diabetes Prevention Program. Oklahomans who want to learn more about prediabetes, diabetes and steps to help prevent the disease are invited to attend the session.
Lauren Amaya, Oklahoma State University Extension diabetes specialist, will host the Zoom session at noon on Nov. 15. Those interested in participating may contact her at lauren.amaya@okstate.edu for the Zoom link.
The National Diabetes Prevention Program, developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is a partnership between public and private organizations to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes. Amaya said research shows that 58% of individuals under the age of 60 who have participated in this program decreased their risk of developing type 2 diabetes, while 71% of participants over the age of 60 reduced their risk.
Amaya said the national program, offered free of charge, is an evidence-based lifestyle change course geared toward people with prediabetes, type 2 diabetes or those with risk factors that lead to the disease. It is a year-long commitment in which participants meet via Zoom 16 times during the first half of the year and six times in the second half. Each session lasts an hour. A short online survey can help determine if a person is at risk or may have prediabetes.
“The informational session will answer questions and help ensure participants understand what they’re signing up for,” Amaya said. “People aged 18 years or older with prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, at risk of developing prediabetes or who were diagnosed with gestational diabetes are encouraged to participate. Pregnant women and women who are nursing are not eligible.”
Program participants will learn about the basics of prediabetes and diabetes, risk factors, health consequences and prevention. The informational session will also cover physical activity and nutrition that can help with disease prevention and management.
Sandy Pogue recently completed the year-long class and said it was beneficial for her and her mother. Although Pogue had not been diagnosed with prediabetes, she did have some risk factors, including a family history of diabetes.
“This class was great in teaching us not only about what to eat but also the importance of being physically active,” Pogue said. “My mom was able to get her A1C down and no longer takes medication for diabetes. Lauren (Amaya) was great in teaching us about different foods and about the Diabetes Plate Method, which is similar to MyPlate.”
Pogue said the weekly support she received at the beginning of the course made it easier to stay on track and provided the knowledge needed to transition to the monthly meetings.
“I encourage others who are either at risk of developing prediabetes or type 2 diabetes to take part in this educational opportunity,” she said. “Our experience was very positive.”
A start date for the class will be determined after the informational virtual session. Contact Amaya at lauren. amaya@okstate.edu for additional information.
OSU Extension uses research-based information to help all Oklahomans solve local issues and concerns, promote leadership and manage resources wisely throughout the state's 77 counties. Most information is available at little to no cost.