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Are you at risk for Type 2 diabetes? Free program offered to help you avoid it

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Are you at risk for developing Type 2 diabetes? If you’re overweight and have higher-than-normal levels of blood glucose — a condition called prediabetes — or have a family history of diabetes, you can take advantage of a free county program to learn simple lifesytle changes that can reduce your risk of developing the disease by as much as 71 percent.

A free, 16-week diabetes prevention program is being offered by Suffolk County at Peconic Bay Medical Center starting next month.

According to a research study led by the National Institutes of Health, with intensive counseling and motivational support, participants in the National Diabetes Prevention Program were able to make behavioral changes, reducing their risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes by 58 percent. Lifestyle changes worked particularly well for participants aged 60 and older, reducing their risk by an astounding 71 percent.

Led by a trained lifestyle coach, the group meets one hour per week for 16 weeks, then monthly for the remainder of one year. Meetings will be held at PBMC on Fridays from 3 to 4 p.m. beginning Sept. 23 and continuing through Feb. 3, 2017.

“Diabetes puts people at risk for many serious health conditions,” Suffolk County Health Commissioner Dr. James Tomarken said. “The good news is that moderate changes in lifestyle can result in significant health benefits.”

Contact: Janis 631-853-3187 for more information or to register.

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