November 21, 2019–7:48 a.m.
The Diabetes Prevention Program at Floyd is playing a role in “turning the tide in the fight against the epidemic of Type 2 diabetes,” according to a letter from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“As the (CDC’s) Director of the Diabetes Prevention Recognition Program, it is immensely gratifying to see the science of diabetes prevention being implemented to improve the public’s health,” Ann Albright wrote in a letter addressed to Frances Willingham, coordinator of Floyd’s Diabetes Prevention Program. “You and your colleagues should be extremely proud of this accomplishment.”
Because of its success, Floyd’s program has received a Certificate of CDC Full Recognition as part of the National Diabetes Prevention Program.
“The sustained success of your lifestyle change program makes an invaluable contribution to the prevention of Type 2 diabetes, both in your community and nationally,” Albright also stated in the letter notifying Floyd of the recognition.
The yearlong Diabetes Prevention Program at Floyd Medical Center teaches people diagnosed with prediabetes how to lessen their risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. An estimated one out of every three Americans have pre-diabetes and are in danger of serious health risks.
Left untreated, Type 2 diabetes can result in a number of complications, including blindness, limb loss, kidney failure, nerve damage, loss of sexual function and the inability to fight off infections. The risk of developing diabetes can be reduced by more than 50 percent by making lifestyle changes, the CDC has reported.
“Diabetes is so dangerous because it can damage us in so many ways,” Willingham said. “The good thing is that you can take steps to reduce your risk.”
During the program, Floyd’s Lifestyle Coaches can show you ways to:
- increase your daily exercise routine
- eat healthier
- reduce daily stress through problem-solving and coping skills
Individuals are eligible for this program if they are at least 18 years old, have a body mass index (BMI) of 25 or more and any one of the following:
- A1C measurement between 5.7 – 6.4
- Fasting glucose level between 100 – 125 mg/dL
- Diagnosed with prediabetes
Anyone interested in participating in the program can attend a free, hour-long information session. You can register for one of those sessions at www.floyd.org/medical-services/diabetes-care/Pages/prediabetesinformationsession.aspx. For details, contact our diabetes experts at 706.509.5184 or email [email protected].