Powell Valley Healthcare is starting a Prevent T2 program to help prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes for anyone concerned about developing diabetes or who already knows they have pre-diabetes. The program begins March 17 and takes place in the conference room at the hospital.

The progam will be led by PVHC’s diabetic educators, who include Tina Braet-Thomas, a registered dietitian, certified diabetic educator and certified lifestyle coach; Jill O’Donnell, a registered nurse and certified diabetic educator; and Mary Neil, registered dietitian and certified lifestyle coach.

The Prevent T2 program is an evidence-based diabetes prevention program with proven results, PVHC officials say. It can reduce the risk developing diabetes by 58% — or by 71% for those over 60. The program requires a one-year commitment, and the diabetic educators provide support throughout the year.

“The Prevent T2 program focuses on lifestyle changes and helps people find ways to increase physical activity, decrease caloric intake and reduce their total body weight by 5 to 7%,” said Braet-Thomas. “There has been a lot of research on diabetes prevention and the Prevent T2 program works effectively.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control, over 30 million people in the U.S. currently have diabetes. Another 86 million people have pre-diabetes — and most do not know it. In Wyoming, 9% of people have been told by their doctor that they have diabetes, according to the Wyoming Department of Health.

Anyone over age 45 is at risk of developing type 2 diabetes and the risk increases as a person ages. Risk also increases if someone in a person’s family has or had diabetes. Women who have had gestational diabetes or who had a baby weighing 9 pounds or more at birth are also at risk. Additionally, anyone who gets little physical activity or is overweight is at risk of developing diabetes.

If you think you might have pre-diabetes or would like to learn more about the Prevent T2 program, call PVHC at 754-2267, extension 3604.