Peer support helps prevent diabetes

The YMCA’s diabetes prevention program teaches patients healthier eating and exercise habits to shed pounds. A big part of the learning process comes from sharing the experience with other program participants.

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Participants at Hendricks Regional Health YMCA share a laugh during a July 24 class that covered how to deal with social pressures during parties, vacations, holidays and visits from family that can wreak havoc on healthy eating habits. The program’s one-hour sessions are group-based, which helps lower costs and draws on the power of social ties to spur participants on to succeed.

Photo by Ted Grudzinski / AMA