LACKAWANNA CO. (WOLF) — The Wright Center for Community Health held the first sessions of its National Diabetes Prevention Program this week in Jermyn and Scranton, launching a 26-session lifestyle modification course aimed at helping people prevent or delay Type 2 diabetes.
The Wright Center describes the program as a CDC-recognized curriculum focused on lifestyle changes. The course centers on nutrition, physical activity and behavior changes. The program’s first sessions were held Tuesday at The Wright Center for Community Health Mid Valley in Jermyn and Wednesday at The Wright Center for Community Health Scranton.
Walter Wanas, clinical dietitian at The Wright Center, said nine out of 10 people don’t know they’re prediabetic, and if they don’t make lifestyle changes, Type 2 diabetes can be fast approaching.
“So a lot of the time, people have prediabetes that goes to diabetes. Then what happens is they end up either in the hospital or they see their primary care provider, and they get diagnosed. A lot of times, they didn’t even know they were prediabetic. So knowing that you’re prediabetic sort of gives you a heads-up that it’s time to take it seriously and make some changes now so you don’t develop it,” said Wanas.
Tthe program covers practical topics such as grocery shopping and planning meals on days when people are not sure what to eat. Wanas said these sessions also address barriers that can make change difficult and use tools such as motivational interviewing to help participants stay on track.
Participants can attend classes in person or online. The program includes self-directed modules, including videos and other activities participants can complete on their own.
Wanas added that participants have no out-of-pocket costs, with insurance used when available and grant funding available when it is not. He said people can still be added even if they miss the first couple of sessions.
People can find diabetes prevention resources and recognized programs through the CDC’s website. Wanas encouraged anyone interested in joining the program in Jermyn or Scranton to contact him or Melissa Germano through The Wright Center’s website.