Tri Valley Health System Preventing Type 2 Diabetes with Proven Program

Tri Valley Health System is helping community members prevent type 2 diabetes with a lifestyle change program called Healthier Me. Guided by Tri Valley Health System Dietitian Nutritionist Tonya Koeppen and Physical Therapist Assistant Deidra Broadfoot, groups of participants will learn the skills they need to make lasting changes such as losing a modest amount of weight, becoming more physically active, and managing stress.

People with prediabetes – higher-than-normal blood glucose (sugar) levels – are 5 to 15 times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than those with normal blood glucose levels. In fact, many people with prediabetes can be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes within 5 years.

One in three American adults has prediabetes, so the need for prevention has never been greater. People are more likely to have prediabetes and type 2 diabetes if they are 45 or older, are overweight, have a family history of type 2 diabetes, are physically active fewer than three times per week, or have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes during pregnancy or gave birth to a baby weighing more than 9 pounds.

The Healthier Me group meets for a year – weekly for the first six months, then once or twice a month for the second six months to maintain healthy lifestyle changes. The program’s group setting provides a supportive environment with people who are facing similar challenges and trying to make the same changes.

The Healthier Me Program is part of the National Diabetes Prevention Program, led by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The program will begin in January and costs $100 for the full year or $250 which includes a membership to the Tri Valley Health System Wellness Center.

To sign up for the program or for any questions please contact Tonya Koeppen at 308-697-1153 or tonya.koeppen@trivalleyhealth.com.