Nationally Recognized Program Helps Hawai‘i Residents Prevent Type 2 Diabetes

Two out of every five Hawai‘i adults have pre-diabetes, according to officials with the State Department of Health.

The department issued a reminder saying that without weight loss or routine moderate physical activity, many people with pre-diabetes are likely to develop Type 2 diabetes within a few years. In addition to being at risk for developing diabetes, people with pre-diabetes are at higher risk of having a heart attack and stroke.

“If you have pre-diabetes, the Diabetes Prevention Program can help you make lasting changes to prevent Type 2 diabetes and improve your overall health,” program organizers said. “DPP participants can cut their risk of Type 2 diabetes in half by losing weight, eating healthier, and being more active.”

The program is free through most insurance plans, including Medicare, and is available at pharmacies and health centers across the state.

Participants receive a full year of support from a lifestyle coach and create relationships with peers who have similar health goals. The program provides weekly sessions for the first six months and then monthly sessions after that to help healthy habits stick.

“Not only can this program help you prevent or delay Type 2 diabetes, it can also help you to make healthy lifestyle changes” said Tiffany Pavao, KTA Super Stores Lifestyle Coach. “In the end, we hope to make people feel better about themselves and their health.”

A program participant named Gwen, from Hilo, shared her experience with the program.

“I learned a lot about diabetes prevention. I met a wonderful group of students and I enjoyed all the classes and activities,” Gwen said. “I’m so glad that I participated in this class because I’ve always had problems losing weight and I’m glad with my weight loss.”

More information on the DPP program is available for individuals who want to find out if they are at risk for pre-diabetes or want to find a DPP provider. Visit PreventDiabetesHawaii.com for more information.