WVU Medicine Diabetes Education Center offering free prevention program

The WVU Medicine Diabetes Education Center is offering classes on its National Diabetes Prevention Program starting August 22. More than 30 million people in the United States have diabetes and, of that number, nearly 1 in 4 are unaware they have the condition.

The National Diabetes Prevention Program was developed to help patients lose weight and increase physical activity and has been shown to reduce risk factors for type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

The free classes will start August 22 and will be held from 5-6 p.m. on Wednesdays at 600 Suncrest Towne Center in room 204. Participants will meet as a group with a lifestyle coach for 22 sessions over 12 months.

“Our participants have told us they love the support and encouragement they get from our life coach and the other participants in the program,” Erin Barrett, RN, Diabetes Education Center coordinator, said. “Past cohorts have enjoyed sharing healthy recipes and motivating each other to exercise and eat well.”

Located at J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital, the Diabetes Education Center has a staff of registered nurses, certified diabetes educators, and registered dietitians who are dedicated to helping people with diabetes or who are at risk for developing diabetes.

The Center has been accredited by the American Diabetes Association since June 25, 2004, and was recently awarded education recognition by the American Diabetes Association for its Diabetes Self-Management Program. Classes and other ongoing services offered at the Diabetes Education Center include a diabetes support group, diabetes prevention classes, diabetes education group classes, diabetes education individual classes, medical nutrition therapy, and gestational diabetes instruction.

For more information or to sign up for the program, call 304-598-4391, extension 1 or email kylec@wvumedicine.org.