July class starting in Flint for 55 and older
FLINT, MICH. – (June 5, 2018) – The Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) is now covered by Medicare. The evidence-based program helps people reduce the risk, delay the onset or even prevent type 2 diabetes. While many are familiar with type 2 diabetes, fewer are aware of prediabetes, a serious health condition that affects 2.6 million Michiganders (more than 1 in 3) and often leads to type 2 diabetes. To help curb this epidemic, the Diabetes Prevention Center, a division of the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan, offers the following class in Flint for those 55 and older:
Carman Ainsworth Senior Center
2071 S. Graham Rd., Flint MI 48532
Information sessions: Thursday, July 12 or July 19 from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
First class: Thursday, July 26, from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Medicare Parts B and C now cover DPP for its members who qualify. Additionally, if you have health insurance through the Genesee Health Plan, Priority Health or U-M Premier Care/Blue Care Network, your insurance will be billed for the program. Some Priority Health plans have a copay. Additional payment options are available. To find out if you qualify or for additional questions, please attend one of the information sessions on July 12 or July 19, visit www.nkfm.org/dpp, or call the Diabetes Prevention Center at 810-232-0522.
The Diabetes Prevention Program is a yearlong program designed for people with prediabetes or at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes, with the goal that participants will adopt and maintain a healthy lifestyle. DPP workshops are led by trained lifestyle coaches during weekly one-hour group sessions and eight monthly sessions that follow. 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. Together, participants celebrate their successes and find ways to overcome obstacles.
You can also ask your doctor if you are at risk for diabetes. If you do not have a doctor because you do not have health care coverage, consider applying for health care coverage, including Medicaid, through your local Department of Health and Human Services office. You can also apply online or call 1-855-789-5610.
About the Diabetes Prevention Center
The Diabetes Prevention Center, a division of the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan (NKFM), offers the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) throughout Michigan to prevent type 2 diabetes and reduce the risk of chronic kidney disease. The NKFM’s DPP, which was the first in Michigan to receive full recognition from the CDC’s Diabetes Prevention Recognition Program, has received its fourth consecutive certification of full recognition. The NKFM is also recognized for its success in sound fiscal management by receiving a 4-star rating, 11 years in a row from Charity Navigator, the nation’s largest and most-utilized evaluator of charities. nkfm.org
