Meet Marti: Diabetes Prevention Program Helped Improve Prediabetes

Weight has been a struggle throughout my life. Growing up, there wasn’t much information out about healthy food choices, how to lose weight safely, how to incorporate exercise, or how to maintain a desirable weight. I tried on my own every once in a while, and then when commercial weight-loss groups started to appear, I went that route. I never learned how to maintain my goal weight, so the cycle of joining a weight-loss group happened a number of times.

By the time I reached the age of 75 years, I had given up on the idea of losing weight. My weight had spiraled out of control and I was resigned that that was just “how it was” for me. My food intake consisted of a mix of some healthy foods, but unfortunately included a lot of processed foods, sweets, and fats. I had a prescription for a high blood pressure medication as well as another medication for a gastrointestinal issue. I was very inactive and eschewed any form of exercise.

At the end of February 2025, my doctor ran routine lab work on me. That is when I found out that my A1C had crossed the line from prediabetic to diabetic, and that really shook me up! My doctor recommended that I follow the Mediterranean diet and start walking. She also looked for a program that could guide me with managing this disease and told me about the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP), which is offered through one of the YMCAs in my area. Upon making contact with the YMCA, I was told there was a program starting in April 2025, but I had to be in the prediabetic range to qualify for it. I had doubled down on making healthy diet changes immediately upon receiving my lab work results, so I was hopeful that I could reduce my A1C in time to start the DPP in mid-April. A follow-up A1C was run on 3/31 and my numbers had dropped into the prediabetic range, so I could start the class!

I can’t say enough about this YMCA DPP class. The quality of provided materials and highly qualified instructor puts it way over the top. The instructor for my class is extremely supportive and goes out of her way to provide enrichment content to the class, as well as to make herself available at any time for any additional help we might need. To date, I have lost a total of 65 pounds solely through diet and exercise. I expect that I will reach my goal weight in the not too distant future, and am looking forward to achieving a firm grip on how to successfully master maintenance with the guidance of this program.