DIABETES PREVENTION PROGRAM – YMCA of the Cedar Rapids Metro Area

RECLAIM YOUR HEALTH AND YOUR LIFE WITH PREVENT T2

Prevent T2 is the YMCA’s signature and supportive, 12-month, small group program where participants work together to learn about healthier eating and physical activity in order to reduce their risk for developing diabetes.

In Prevent T2 the goal is for you to gradually and safely lose 7% (or more) of your body weight, track dietary intake, and be able to accomplish 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week.

NEXT SESSION STARTS:

Days

HOW IT WORKS:

This Lifestyle Change Program is taught in a small group format over the course of a year through 26 sessions.

Sessions 1-16 take place once a week
Sessions 17-20 happen every other week
Sessions 21-26 occur once a month

All sessions last 60 minutes and are led by a trained lifestyle coach who is invested in your success. DPP CALENDAR 2026/27

WHO SHOULD JOIN:

You may be eligible to participate if you meet the following criteria:

18 years or older
Body Mass Index (BMI) of 25 or higher (23 or higher if of Asian descent)
Not pregnant
Have no previous diagnosis of type 1 or type 2 diabetes
Meet one of the following health conditions:
- A recent blood test (within the past year) showing prediabetes with:
  - Hemoglobin A1C between 5.7% and 6.4%
  - Fasting plasma glucose between 100 and 125 mg/dL
  - Two-hour plasma glucose (after a 75g glucose test) between 140 and 199 mg/dL
- Previous diagnosis of gestational diabetes
- A high-risk result on the Prediabetes Risk Test

Note: You do not need to be a YMCA member to join this program. It is open to everyone looking to reduce their risk of type 2 diabetes.

ARE YOU AT RISK?

REFER YOURSELF TO THE DPP PROGRAM

Medicare recipients please add "Medicare" to the additional information section:

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:

Our program is not about short-term diets or intense workouts. Instead, you’ll learn sustainable lifestyle changes that promote healthy eating, increased physical activity, and weight loss. Topics covered include:

Healthy Eating: Learn how to make balanced food choices that support long-term health.
Increasing Physical Activity: Discover easy ways to stay active and build regular exercise into your routine.
Weight Loss Strategies: Gain the knowledge and tools to lose a small percentage of your body weight and keep it off.
Stress Management: Develop techniques to manage stress and stay motivated.

ADDITONAL DETAILS

As a grant recipient, the Y is able to offer this program at no cost to YMCA members. Financial Assistance is available. The program includes:

26 one-hour sessions delivered over the course of a year
Weekly and bi-weekly sessions during the first 6 months followed by monthly sessions during the second 6 months to help maintain progress and stay motivated
A lifestyle coach for 12 months of education and support
The YMCA’s Lifestyle Change Program is available to ALL individuals who qualify.
After the program is complete, participants will be eligible for the Healthy Living Alumni Membership Discount.

MEET THE LIFESTYLE COACHES

YMCA Group Exercise and Group Training Instructor

Certified NDPP Lifestyle Coach

Over 30 years of experience in Health & Wellness. Previous experience as a DPP lifestyle coach for the YMCA.