Marcia Cadwell, CNY Diabetes Program participant

When my pre-diabetic numbers started to increase, I knew I needed to do something about it. I was right at the borderline – my pre-diabetic number was 6.2. At 6.3, my primary care provider would have put me on medication.

I have a family history of diabetes, but I did not want to be medicated for it. 

That’s when I learned about the National Diabetes Prevention Program offered through CNY Diabetes at the MVHS Faxton Campus.

I was eager to learn how I could make changes to my lifestyle to help lower my pre-diabetic number. I figured if I could make small changes that would keep my levels low enough to avoid the need to go on medication, it would be worth the effort.

In the National Diabetes Prevention Program, you receive a lot of educational materials. I really liked the binder on diabetes prevention that included diet and lifestyle tips.

I started to record everything I ate. I weighed and measured all of my food, and I will tell you that portion control made a huge difference for me. 

Exercise is also important, so I made every attempt to work out for at least 30 minutes a day, or 150 minutes each week. 
I weighed myself once a week, recorded the number and sent it in. 

To some this might sound restrictive, but I appreciated the fact that it got me into a routine, got me working out and helped me develop healthier eating habits as a result. 

After a year in the program, I graduated and am happy to report I lost 17 pounds, am down one size in my clothing and my pre-diabetic number was 5.9.

A few months after my graduation, however, I went back for lab work and my pre-diabetic number was 6.0. I had not been exercising as much and I gained back three pounds. I quickly realized I did not want three pounds to add up to 10. That was all the motivation I needed to get back into my routine. I want to keep my numbers in check without medication, and I don’t want to lose all the progress I made!

For those who might be considering this program, I would highly recommend it. Caroline and Kim do an excellent job. I can’t say enough good things about this program.