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Are There Any Programs for Free That Can Help Me?
There are three programs that are very helpful and are also free for New Jersey residents:
1. The National Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) is a year-long program aimed at preventing type 2 diabetes by encouraging people to make real lifestyle changes like eating healthier, including physical activity that you can easily fit into your life, and in general helping you to deal with life and problems better. You will be able to meet with a trained lifestyle coach and a small group of people who are also trying to get healthier. That’s because group support can help you get healthy and stay healthy. Sessions are once a week for 6 months and then once a month for 6 months.
The DPP program has been proven to delay or prevent the start of type 2 diabetes in people with Impaired Glucose Treatment (IGT). The DDP found that by eating right and exercising regularly, someone with IGT can really lower their chances of developing diabetes. Click here to learn more about the DPP.
2. The Diabetes Self-Management Education (DMSE) and training teaches you how to be in control of your diabetes and skills to change your actions to successfully manage your diabetes. You will learn how to create healthy habits to live a healthy lifestyle with diabetes. The DMSE training is special because your own needs, goals, and life experiences are put first. When you are living with diabetes, it’s important to make choices that keep you and your loved ones healthy.
3. The Diabetes Foundation can help you or a loved one get support to prevent, treat and manage diabetes. The Diabetes CARELine, Self-Management Programs, and Personalized Care Planning offer everyday tools to support better health. Click here to learn more about the Diabetes Foundation.
I Don’t Have Diabetes, Why Should I Care?
Even if you don’t have diabetes, your doctor may see some signs that show you could develop it, this is prediabetes. The good news is that you can take steps now so that you don’t get diabetes.
What is Prediabetes?
Prediabetes happens when blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough for a diagnosis of diabetes. A person with prediabetes is at higher risk for developing type 2 diabetes and other serious health problems, including heart disease, and stroke. A person with certain risk factors is more likely to develop prediabetes and type 2 diabetes, which includes:
- Age, especially after 45 years of age
- Being overweight
- A family history of diabetes
- Having African American, Latino/Hispanic, American Indian, Asian American, or Pacific Islander racial or ethnic background
- A history of diabetes while pregnant (gestational diabetes) or having given birth to a baby weighing nine pounds or more
- Being physically active less than 3 times a week
If one or more of these risk factors apply to you could have prediabetes. Click on the prediabetes questionnaire offered by the CDC on the right-hand side of this page to find out if you are at risk.
What is a Diabetes Screening and Why Should I get it?
Signs of having diabetes and pre diabetes is not always clear. A diabetes screening is an important tool because it will show if you have diabetes or pre diabetes or should be concerned about prediabetes you should get a diabetes screening because it allows you to have a better chance of not developing diabetes complications and figure out treatment options. You don’t want to have diabetes and not know you have it. Not knowing you have diabetes, not treating it and not living healthy — can cause major health problems. It is very important to know if you have diabetes or not so visit your doctor to get a diabetes screening.
I Want to Do More Reading. Where Can I Get More Information?
We got it, click on the links below:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
New Jersey Department of Health – Diabetes Prevention and Control
Basics about Diabetes
National Diabetes Prevention Program
NJ 2-1-1
Talk to Your Doc!
You and your doctor are partners in your care. If you don’t understand something when you go to these sites or in the doctor’s office, write the questions down and ask your doctor; they are there to help you and doctors appreciate the fact that you care about your health. Your family can support you too by helping you to eat healthier and exercising with you. Together, your team can help you be well and stay well.
Supported by Funds from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention through the New Jersey Department of Health, Diabetes Prevention and Control Program.
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