PreventT2 Lifestyle Change Program HHSA

Haywood County Health and Human Services: February 2024: Community members are preventing type 2 diabetes with the PreventT2 lifestyle change program offered by the Haywood County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA).

Guided by a trained lifestyle coach, participants learn the skills needed for lasting changes, such as losing a modest amount of weight, being more active, and managing stress.

People with prediabetes have higher than normal blood sugar levels, making them 5 to 15 times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. People are more likely to have prediabetes and type 2 diabetes if they are: 45 years of age or older; overweight; have a family history of type 2 diabetes; physically active fewer than three times per week; have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes during pregnancy or gave birth to a baby weighing over 9 pounds.

‘’One in three American adults has pre-diabetes, so the need for prevention has never been greater,’’ said Sarah Banks, Haywood County Public Health Services Director. ‘’The PreventT2 program offers a proven approach to preventing or delaying the onset of type 2 diabetes through modest lifestyle changes with the support of a coach and one’s peers.’’

Participants learn how to eat healthy, add physical activity to their routine, manage stress, stay motivated, and solve problems that can get in the way of healthy changes. PreventT2 participants receive a full year of support to maintain lifestyle changes. The group setting provides a supportive environment with people who are facing similar challenges. 

Together participants celebrate their successes and find ways to overcome obstacles.

PreventT2 has proven that people with prediabetes who lost 5 to 7 percent of their body weight reduced their risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 58 percent. “Small changes can add up to a big difference,” added Megan Hauser, Public Health Education Supervisor. “Working with a trained lifestyle coach, PreventT2 participants are making lasting changes together.’’

Registration is open and classes are scheduled to begin on Tuesday, February 29 at 5:30 p.m. Thanks to a grant administered by NC State University, classes are free and include incentives. HHSA is excited to report that its program has preliminary recognition by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. To learn more about the program, call Megan Hauser at 828-452-6675.

PreventT2 is part of the National Diabetes Prevention Program, led by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It is proven to prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes. Research shows that modest behavior changes, such as making better food choices and increasing physical activity, reduced the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 58 percent in people at high risk for developing this disease. 

The National Diabetes Prevention Program brings together federal agencies, community-based organizations, faith-based organizations, employers, insurers, health care professionals, academia, and other stakeholders.