Did you know that people with prediabetes; (individuals with higher-than-normal blood glucose 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 five years. Prevent T2 is part of the National Diabetes Prevention Program, led by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It is proven to prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes.
Methodist Hospitals completed a year-long Diabetes Prevention & Wellness Program at Veterans Village, located in Gary, Indiana and the data was submitted to the CDC for review. Individuals that participated in the program achieved modest weight loss and increased their activity levels which are two important factors in lowering body mass index, blood pressure and A1C levels. The Veterans Wellness Program is conducted by Methodist Hospitals’ clinical staff, including certified diabetes educator Carolyn Sakelaris, RN, BSN, MPA. The program is coordinated by the Manager of Community Outreach, LaTanya Woodson, MHA.
Methodist Hospitals is now one of only three hospitals in the entire state of Indiana to achieve this milestone and the only hospital in Northwest Indiana to be fully certified by the CDC for Diabetes Prevention. During a session at the Veterans Complex, Sakelaris commented, “participants learn how to eat healthy, add physical activity to their routine, manage stress, stay motivated, and solve problems that can get in the way of healthy 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 information that I learned about diabetes was a blessing. I want to thank Methodist Hospitals for providing this program to NWI Veterans Village in Gary”, said Randall Gordon, resident of NWI Veterans Village.
People are more likely to have prediabetes and type 2 diabetes if they are forty-five years or older; overweight, have a family history of type 2 diabetes, are physically active fewer than three times per week and have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes during pregnancy or gave birth to a baby weighing more than nine pounds. To find out more information about Methodist Hospitals’ Diabetes Program, please contact Carolyn Sakelaris at (219) 738-5802, or contact via email at csakelaris@methodisthospitals.org.
About Methodist Hospitals
Methodist Hospitals is a community-based, not-for-profit health system with two full-service acute care facilities in Gary and Merrillville, Indiana, that has been leading the way to better health for residents of Northwest Indiana for almost 100 years. Methodist Hospitals offers a number of award – winning programs, including its Neuroscience, Oncology, Heart and Vascular Institutes and Breast Care Center. Its range of services also includes Women & Children’s Services, Bariatric Surgery services, Emergency & Trauma services, Immediate Care Centers, Orthopedics & Spine services, comprehensive Rehabilitation services, Behavioral Health and Home Health Services. It has earned Magnet® designation by the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
