12-month diabetes prevention program offered in Sitka

The University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service is offering a yearlong program in Sitka to help people at risk of developing diabetes lose weight and improve their health.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in three Americans has prediabetes, and excess weight is a key risk factor.

Participants will be encouraged to lose 5% to 10% of their weight by making healthy lifestyle changes that reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. 

Participants will get ideas and support from other participants and trained lifestyle coaches Jasmine Shaw and Kate Grumbles. Participants will meet weekly in person for about 16 weeks and at least once monthly after that until February 2024.

One-hour in-person sessions will meet Mondays from 5:15-6:15 p.m., beginning March 6 at the University of Alaska Southeast in Sitka. 

Contact Shaw at jdshaw2@alaska.edu or 907-747-9440 for details, to determine eligibility and to register. Feb. 28 is the registration deadline.

The $50 fee includes a digital scale and program materials. Discounts are offered to seniors 60 and older and others who request a scholarship. The class is offered in partnership with the Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consortium.

Accommodation requests related to a disability should be made five business days in advance to Shaw.

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