I CAN Prevent Diabetes

I CAN Prevent Diabetes is a lifestyle change program for people with prediabetes, or high blood sugar. The program is taught by a trained lifestyle coach and offers education and group support in a 16-week course. Goals of the program are to lose 5-7% body weight and increase physical activity to at least 150 minutes per week.

Saint Paul Steps staff completed a diabetes prevention pilot program in spring of 2008 called I CAN Prevent Diabetes (Individuals and Communities Acting Now to Prevent Diabetes). The class was a collaboration between the Minnesota Department of Health, Saint Paul - Ramsey County Department of Health, Saint Paul Parks and Recreation and Open Cities clinic. Based on the success of this pilot as well as others conducted in Rochester and Willmar, I CAN Prevent Diabetes is now being expanded in all four Steps communities in MN. A training was held for new instructors August 4th and 5th, 2008. Saint Paul steps will be offering technical assistance and support for new I CAN Prevent Diabetes classes in St. Paul beginning in late 2008.

Are you at risk for diabetes or prediabetes? Click here to find out.

The CDC estimates that nearly 54 million Americans have prediabetes, many of whom are undiagnosed. In Minnesota, over 1 million people have prediabetes. People with prediabetes are over 2 times more likely to have heart disease or stroke. Individuals with prediabetes can prevent or delay the onset of type-2 diabetes by making simple lifestyle changes. Diet and moderate exercise can bring blood sugar levels back to a normal range. In a large multi-site study called the Diabetes Prevention Program, lifestyle change reduced the risk of diabetes by 58% over 3-years. For more information on prediabetes, click here.