Healthy Lifestyle

Lower your risk of type 2 diabetes with Northern Dutchess Hospital

Older adults getting ready to play pickleball.

03/22/2025

Did you know that one in three adults have prediabetes and most of them don’t even know they have it? 

 

Disregarding healthy eating habits and lifestyle changes could cause those with prediabetes to develop type 2 diabetes within five years. Learn how to live a healthier lifestyle and lower your risk of developing type 2 diabetes with Northern Dutchess Hospital.

 

What is diabetes?

 

Diabetes is a condition that affects how your body turns food into energy due to high blood sugar levels. Over time, diabetes can lead to serious health problems affecting your heart, eyes, feet and more. Luckily, there are steps you can take to prevent type 2 diabetes through healthy diet and exercise.

 

 

What is the Diabetes Prevention Program at Northern Dutchess Hospital?


The National Diabetes Prevention Program is a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lifestyle change program that has partnered with Northern Dutchess Hospital to work to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes. 

 

The Diabetes Prevention Program at Northern Dutchess Hospital is led by clinical nutrition manager Anne Rabbitt, nutritionist Roufia Payman and lifestyle coach Marie Monroe. 

 

Classes take place every Monday, and Roufia and Marie provide participants with knowledge and support to make healthier lifestyle choices. It’s a chance for everyone to come together and share how their lifestyle adjustments are going. 

 

You might hear participants sharing seasonal recipes, food substitutes or talking about their newfound love for pickleball. While the conversation for each class varies, the overall message remains the same — take charge of your health.

 

 

If you have prediabetes or other risk factors for type 2 diabetes, joining Northern Dutchess Hospital’s Diabetes Prevention Program can be a game-changer in getting you on the right track to better health.

 

 

Northern Dutchess Hospital’s Diabetes Prevention Program earns highest honor from the CDC 

 

Full Plus recognition is the highest level of achievement for a CDC-recognized organization. Northern Dutchess Hospital has proven its capability to achieve successful outcomes in preventing or delaying type 2 diabetes. Most recently, the classes scored the following:

 

Target: A minimum of 50% participation at the beginning of the fourth month.

Outcome: Northern Dutchess Hospital is at 95% participation since the first class was held.

 

Target: A minimum of 40% participation at the beginning of the seventh month.

Outcome: Northern Dutchess Hospital is at 91% participation since the first class was held.

 

Seeing how participation rates are practically doubled is a true testament to the impact this program has on the community!

 


Do I qualify for the Diabetes Prevention Program?

 

To qualify, participants must be prediabetic either with elevated A1C levels (5.7-6.4) or through this prediabetes risk test developed by the CDC highlighting certain commonalities of prediabetes. 

 

What is the difference between prediabetes and type 2 diabetes?

 

Prediabetes is when your blood sugar is higher than normal but not high enough to be considered type 2 diabetes. 

 

Prediabetes can go undetected for years. Talk to your primary care doctor about A1C and blood sugar testing if any of the following applies to you:

  • Are 45 years or older

  • Are overweight

  • Are physically active less than 3 times per week

  • Have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

  • Have/had gestational diabetes or gave birth to a baby weighing more than 9 pounds

 

 

Type 2 diabetes is when your blood sugar is frequently high. Your body doesn’t correctly process insulin or make enough of it to distribute the sugar in your blood to your cells.

 

Symptoms of type 2 diabetes develop over several years and often go unnoticed. If you experience any of the following, see your primary care doctor about having your blood sugar tested:

  • Increased thirst and hunger

  • Numbness or tingling in your hands or feet

  • Frequent urination

  • Blurry vision

  • Dry skin

  • Slow healing sores

 

 

Type 2 diabetes can pose serious health problems such as heart disease, neuropathy and kidney failure. 

 

 

How can I prevent type 2 diabetes?

 

If you already have prediabetes and are overweight, adding physical activities like walking or bike riding into your daily routine can help you lose weight and lower your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. 

 

The guidance and support of this program has helped participants cut their risk of type 2 diabetes in half! 

 

 

What should I expect during each Diabetes Prevention class?

 

Each class is one hour long, and there is no cost to attend. Meetings are held on Mondays, and they provide access to trained lifestyle coaches, group support, CDC-approved handouts and other resources to help participants make healthy changes. 

 

Together, Roufia and Marie educate participants with similar goals and challenges on healthy eating habits, lifestyle changes and exercises to stay active.

 

Each class is an open forum for everyone to share their ideas, celebrate successes, work to overcome obstacles, share new recipes and so much more!

 

 

How do I register for Northern Dutchess Hospital’s Diabetes Prevention Program?

 

For more information or to register, call (845) 871-3318 or email marie.monroe@nuvancehealth.org. Registration via phone is required for participants to receive instructions for Zoom meetings and other important details. TTY/Accessibility (800) 421-1220.

 

Who is eligible?: Adults who have prediabetes or are at risk for type 2 diabetes.

 

When are classes held?: Mondays from 4:30-5:30 pm or 6-7 pm.


When does a new class being?: Monday, April 14, 2025. Participants are strongly encouraged to dedicate one year to the program.

 

Where are classes held?: Northern Dutchess Hospital Cafeteria Conference Room, 6511 Springbrook Avenue, Rhinebeck or via Zoom


*Note: First class must be attended in person.