Diabetes prevention session offered in Palmer

July 26, 2019

Marmian Grimes

The Cooperative Extension Service in Palmer will offer a year-long program in Palmer to help individuals lose weight and lower their risk for developing Type 2 diabetes.

The session begins Aug. 6 and will focus on making gradual changes in exercise, diet and stress management that have been shown to delay or prevent the onset of diabetes. Classes will meet weekly on Tuesdays from 6 to 7:15 p.m. at the Matanuska Experiment Farm and Extension Center and will continue until August 2020.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the University of Pittsburgh developed the program. Individuals at risk for Type 2 diabetes include those who are overweight, have a diagnosis of prediabetes or have had gestational diabetes. According to the CDC, one out of three American adults is prediabetic, and one in 10 has diabetes.

The University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service will host the program. The class fee is $240, and seniors ages 60 or older get a $40 discount. Those who complete the program will receive an $80 refund. Contact Melissa Clampitt at 907-745-3551 or mrclampitt@alaska.edu to discuss whether this is the right program for you and to register. Classes will meet in Room 208 of Kerttula Hall. The farm is located at 1509 S. Georgeson Drive.