The Henderson Family YMCA is beginning a class to help people reduce their risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

The Diabetes Prevention Program is a yearlong commitment that starts with weekly meetings and gradually goes to meetings every few weeks.

The one-hour class begins Monday, Jan. 16 at 12:30 p.m. and Christina Miceli said it’s all part of an effort to help people who are not yet diagnosed with diabetes eat healthier, increase their physical activity and lose weight – all of which can help delay or prevent the onset of Type 2 diabetes.

Time is of the essence, however. Miceli said she hopes individuals will register for the class soon. Each class builds upon previous classes, so it’s important to attend all 26 sessions. The deadline to register is extended to Jan. 23, when all information must be submitted.

The Henderson Family Y is among more than 200 across the country offering the program.

Diabetes is a chronic disease that causes blood sugar levels to rise higher than normal. Diabetes affects more than 34 million people in the United States, but 1 in 4 do not know that they have it. A condition called prediabetes occurs when blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough for a type 2 diabetes diagnosis. More than 88 million Americans have prediabetes and are at risk of developing diabetes. Diabetes has no cure, but prediabetes can be reversed.

Submit test results to Member Services Desk or mail to: Henderson Family YMCA, Renee Gorby-YMCA Diabetes Program Coordinator, 380 Ruin Creek Road Henderson, NC 27536.