Suffolk Legislator Tom Donnelly (D-Huntington Station) encourages residents who are at risk for developing type-2 diabetes to participate, free of charge, in the county- administered National Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP). The program supports moderate behavior changes and has proven to reduce risk in those who are susceptible to a type-2 diabetes diagnosis.
DPP is based on a research study led by the National Institutes of Health. The study showed that with intensive counseling and motivational support, participants were able to make behavioral changes, reducing their risk for developing type-2 diabetes by 58 percent. Lifestyle changes worked particularly well for participants aged 60 and older, reducing their risk by 71 percent.
The Diabetes Prevention Program is led by a trained lifestyle coach. It meets one hour per week for 16 weeks, then monthly for the remainder of one year.
The Hauppauge program begins this month as follows:
Dates: April 25, May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 June 6, 13, 20, 27, July 11, 18, 25, August 1, 8,15
Time: 5:30 - 6:30 pm
Location: Suffolk County Department of Health Services
725 Veteran’s Memorial Highway, Bldg.C-016, Hauppauge
Contact: Debora (631) 853-2928
For more information visit www.suffolkcountyny.gov/health located under Healthy Living, or Call the Office of Health Education at (631) 853-3162.
“There are many steps that those at risk can take to stay healthy and diabetes-free,” said Legislator Donnelly. “I hope that anyone who is concerned about the potential for, and impact of, a diabetes diagnosis will sign up for this great free program.”