Glendive Medical Center Will Offer Nutrition & Exercise Program Aimed At Preventing Type 2 Diabetes

Glendive, Montana, September 8, 2016 - Glendive Medical Center (GMC) will once again offer the LifeStyle Balance Program to members of the community. The LifeStyle Balance Program is a comprehensive program for the prevention and early treatment of type 2 diabetes. This program sets challenging, reasonable, safe and effective goals for weight loss. In the past we have presented this program in collaboration with Billings Clinic. Penny Maher, RN has recently been certified to lead the class and will do so onsite at GMC.

Those that had health fair or birthday month profiles with results showing a fasting blood glucose of 100 to 125 mg/dl indicates prediabetes. Now is an opportune time to make lifestyle changes aiming to reduce risks and prevent or delay progression to developing type 2 diabetes. Research shows that without making healthy lifestyle changes, those with prediabetes are likely to progress to having diabetes within 5 to 7 years. Research has also demonstrated that people who are at risk for diabetes can reduce their risk by up to 58% if they become more active and lose 5 to 7% of their total body weight.

Obesity and diabetes are chronic diseases that are increasing in prevalence in both children and adults in the United States. We are growing as a nation. Nationally, 34% of our population is overweight, a status defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 25 to 29.9%. More concerning is that each state reports up to 33% for the segment of the adult population that meets the criteria for obesity, a category defined by a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher. Currently 64% of Montana's population is overweight or obese. Obesity is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, certain types of cancer, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, coronary artery disease, high cholesterol, sleep apnea and other chronic conditions.

This program is open to all adults who are overweight or obese and costs $125 per person for the class and materials. It is a 12 month comprehensive program. The LifeStyle Balance Program is individualized to meet the specific needs of each person.

Sessions will address lifestyle changes by providing individual and group counseling about nutrition, healthy decision making and physical activity.

This program will be offered Tuesdays 5 p.m. - 6 p.m. starting October 11th. To register or for questions, please contact Penny Maher, RN at 406-345-3309 or pemaher@gmc.org.