Franciscan Health Offers Diabetes Prevention Program In Lafayette And Crawfordsville

WESTERN, Indiana - Franciscan Health Lafayette and Crawfordsville are offering patients with prediabetes the opportunity to help prevent or delay type 2 diabetes with a year-long Diabetes Prevention Program, which begins Wednesday, September 4, 2024. 

Franciscan Health's Diabetes Prevention Program follows guidelines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that have been proven to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes.

Diabetes is one of the top 10 leading causes of death in the U.S., impacting more than 37 million American adults. Few realize type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed with lifestyle changes, like those implemented through the Franciscan Health Diabetes Prevention Program.

Dawn Lowry of West Lafayette saw the program advertised and thought she would try it. Since joining the program, she has lost 40 pounds, lowered her A1C and increased her exercise activity.

"What works for me best is the weekly meeting," Lowry said. "Having to answer for what we've been doing and the group atmosphere."

Lowry also notes that the instructor keeps things entertaining in the group sessions, including showing videos and playing games. 

"She keeps the enthusiasm up, and it is not just talk, talk, talk," Lowry said. "It is a real positive experience, and I'm happy with the results."

Groups meet weekly for a total of 16 sessions, prior to six monthly follow-up sessions with a trained lifestyle coach. Throughout the course of the program, participants work with a certified healthy lifestyle coach who guides them in practices to help build energy and confidence, lose weight naturally and reduce stress and anxiety. 

The program is only open to participants ages 18 and older who have been diagnosed with prediabetes, not those who have previously been diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. They must also have a body mass index greater than 25. Those who had a previous diagnosis of gestational diabetes or a screening result indicating a high risk of type 2 diabetes are also eligible to participate.

The year-long program costs $99 and covered for approved Medicare beneficiaries. The program is free for Franciscan employees.

The first session for the Lafayette program is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. EST on Wednesday, September 4, 2024 at the Franciscan Healthy Living Center (lower level), located at 1116 North 16th Street in Lafayette. Sessions will continue on Wednesdays for 15 weeks thereafter at the same time and location.

The first session for the Crawfordsville program is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. EST on September 4, 2024 at the Sugar Creek Medical Center, located at 1704 Lafayette Road, Suite 4 in Crawfordsville. Sessions will continue on Wednesdays for 15 weeks thereafter at the same time and location.

Registration is required and space is limited. For more information or to register for the program, email HealthyLiving@FranciscanAlliance.org or call 844-441-6609.