Learn How to Make Healthy Changes and Reduce Your Risk for Diabetes

Starr Regional Medical Center and the McMinn County UT Extension Office are offering the free National Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) to help community members prevent type 2 diabetes together. Guided by trained professionals, participants learn the skills they need to make lasting changes such as losing a modest amount of weight, being more physically active and managing stress in a group setting. Program sessions will take place at the McMinn Higher Education Center’s Conference Room, located at 2345 Denso Drive, Athens, beginning Friday, February 6, from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.

“One in three American adults has prediabetes, so the need for prevention has never been greater,” said Jackie Berry, MS, RD, LDN, Director of Community Wellness at Starr Regional Medical Center. “The program offers a proven approach to preventing or delaying the onset of type 2 diabetes through modest lifestyle changes made 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. The group meets for a year — weekly for the first 16 weeks, then once a month for six months to maintain healthy lifestyle changes. The program’s group setting provides a supportive environment with people who are facing similar challenges and trying to make the same changes. Together participants celebrate their successes and find ways to overcome obstacles.

Please contact Jackie Berry at 423.744.3249 to learn more about the program or to enroll. 

Program Information

Program Schedule