DeKalb Board of Health expands efforts to stem Type 2 Diabetes

The DeKalb County Board of Health will soon offer a free, 12-month diabetes prevention program in three locations around the county.

PreventT2 is part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Diabetes Prevention Program. The Board of Health previously offered the program only in central DeKalb County.

The Prevent T2 program uses trained coaches to teach participants with pre-diabetes how to make lifestyle changes to reduce their risk of Type 2 Diabetes. A person with pre-diabetes has a higher blood glucose (sugar) level than normal, but not high enough to be diagnosed with diabetes. Untreated pre-diabetes can progress to Type 2 Diabetes. One in three American adults has pre-diabetes.

“By joining the Prevent T2 program, you’ll learn how to make small changes to your daily routine that can help reverse pre-diabetes and prevent Type 2 Diabetes,” said Omatola Gordon-Rose, Chronic Disease Prevention Coordinator and Lifestyle Coach.

Starting this fall, the program will available at:

• Clifton Springs Health Center, 3110 Clifton Springs Road, Decatur
• East DeKalb Health Center, 2277 S. Stone Mountain-Lithonia Road, Lithonia
• Latin American Association, 2750 Buford Hwy. NE, Atlanta, (sessions to be held in Spanish)

Through the program, the groups will meet for a year, weekly for the first six months, then once or twice a month for the second six months. The group setting provides a supportive environment for people who are facing similar challenges and making the same changes. Together, participants overcome obstacles and celebrate successes. The program is free. To qualify, persons must live in DeKalb County and be at least 18 years of age. More qualifications may be added.

Information sessions will be held Wednesday, July 31, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. to provide information on diabetes, pre-diabetes, and enrollment in the Prevent T2 Lifestyle Change Program.

To register for the information session or the program, go to https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DeKalbPreventT2 or call 404-508-7847.