They’re open to residents who have prediabetes.
Frederick, Md (KM) One in three Americans have prediabetes, and don’t know it. That’s according to Angie Blair, Community Health Educator with the Frederick County Health Department.
The agency is holding “Prevent T-Two” classes beginning on August 20th. They are designed to help prevent type-2 diabetes. “The two core things that ‘Prevent T-Two’ focuses on are losing a modest amount of weight; and, secondly, adding physical activity to your routine,” says Blair.
She says one of the major risk factors for Type-2 Diabetes is being overweight and obese. “Without weight loss or some kind of moderate physical activity, many people with prediabetes can develop Type-2 Diabetes within five years,” says Blair. “Type-2 Diabetes is a very serious condition. It could lead health issues, like heart attack, stroke, blindness, kidney failure, loss of toes, feet or legs. So it’s very concerning.”
The problem of being overweight is quite common in the local community. “We know that from the most recent data that’s available that approximately two-thirds of the adults here in Frederick County are classified as overweight or obese,” says Blair.
The “Prevent T-Two” classes are offered free of charge, but anyone who wants to participate needs to sign up as soon as possible as the classes fill up quickly. Contact Christine Pelkowski at the Health Department for more information and to enroll. Her number is 301-600-3113, or send an e-mail to [email protected].
The orientation takes place on Tuesday, August 20th at the Emmitsburg Osteopathic Primary Care Center, 121-123 West Main Street., at 5:00 PM, . The classes will take place once a week for four months, and then every other week after that.
The “Prevent T-Two” classes are part the National Diabetes Prevention Program led by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
By Kevin McManus