By Stacie Zuercher, NW Senior & Disability Services

Earlier this month, Northwest Senior and Disability Services in partnership with the Year of Wellness, began its year long journey to institute healthy changes that directly impact individuals at risk for diabetes by starting a “Prediabetes Prevention Program (DPP)” in Tillamook.

What does it mean to have prediabetes?

• Someone with prediabetes has higher than normal blood glucose (sugar) levels, but has not reached a diabetes diagnosis.

Why is it important to detect prediabetes?

• Prediabetes increases your risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke.
• 86 million Americans have prediabetes – that’s one in every three adults!
• 9 out of 10 people with prediabetes, don’t know they have it.
• Up to 30% of people with prediabetes will develop type 2 diabetes within 5 years.

If you believe you could be at risk for prediabetes try the following;

• Talk with your doctor about whether or not you’re at risk for prediabetes.
• Take the prediabetes risk quiz at http://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/prevention.
• Contact Stacie Zuercher at Northwest Senior and Disability Services for more information and resources at 503-842-2770.

References:  About Prediabetes & Type 2 Diabetes. (2016). Retrieved January 24, 2016, from

www.cdc.gov/diabetes/prevention/prediabetes-type2/

There are many classes and resources available to help individuals manage Type 2 Diabetes. Check our Events page for a list of offerings.