YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program
Imagine how it would feel to take charge of your life, lose weight, and lower your risk for type 2 diabetes. Learn more about turning back the clock on prediabetes from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Did You Know?
34.2 million Americans have diabetes
Diabetes is a leading cause of heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney disease and nerve disease.
88 million Americans have prediabetes
People with prediabetes are likely to develop type 2 diabetes within 10 years, unless they take action to prevent or delay the disease.
The Good News
If you are at risk for type 2 diabetes, the YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program provides a supportive environment where you can lose weight and learn how to adopt healthy habits to reduce your chances of developing the disease.
58% of all new cases of type 2 diabetes can be prevented, and 71% of new cases in individuals over age 60 can be prevented
through programs like the YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program.
Data based on research from the National Institutes of Health (Source)
In a classroom setting, a trained lifestyle coach facilitates a small group of participants in learning about healthier eating, physical activity and other behavior changes to lose weight over the course of 24 one-hour sessions.
Program Goals:
- Reduce body weight by 7%
- Increase physical activity to 150 minutes per week.
After the initial 16 core sessions, participants meet biweekly and then monthly for added support to help them maintain their progress.
The YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program is nationally recognized by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Are you at risk? Take this quick test!
Who Can Participate
In order to qualify for the program, you must be at least 18 years old, overweight (BMI > 25)* and at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes or have been diagnosed with prediabetes** by a healthcare provider.
*Asian individual(s) BMI > 22
**Individuals who have already been diagnosed with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes do not qualify for this program.
Financing and Insurance Coverage
Financial assistance and payment plans are available for qualifying individuals based on household income. If you are covered by Medicare, you may be eligible to participate at no out-of-pocket cost. Some commercial insurance and employers also cover the cost of the program. Call today to find out.
Already Diagnosed with Diabetes?
Our partners at St. Anthony's Hospital's LifeHelp Center and the St. Pete Free Clinic offer programs to support you with opportunities for education from qualified health professionals on your health journey.
"Thanks so much to the Bardmoor YMCA's Diabetes Prevention Program for helping me learn to eat properly and lose 50 lbs. Special thanks to Ashley, my instructor, for her dedication and encouragement. The program provided the tool to accomplish my goals. The program not only lowered my A1c to 5.7% but also helped my COPD through the weight loss and my IBS-D through learning proper nutrition. I learned to plan healthy meal[s] using all food groups and [by substituting] high fat foods for lower fat options. Thanks again to the YMCA and Ashley for helping me so I will have a long healthy life."
- Gloria, YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program participant
"I told my Primary Doctor today how much I’ve enjoyed the class. She knows I’ve struggled with weight loss for so long and that I’ve gone through a number of programs to lose weight, so she asked me what it was about this program that has helped me to be successful. I told her that three main things have worked for me on this program. 1) tracking food, especially knowing the proper daily caloric and fat intake I should have and sticking closely to it, 2) increasing my exercise level to get my metabolism cranking, and 3) being accountable to you each week. The fact that this program goes for a whole year has kept me focused on watching what I eat and exercising consistently."
-Deborah, a YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program Participant who lost over 15 lbs and more than 7% of her body weight.
Current Offerings
- Speer YMCA:
- Tuesdays, 11:30AM - 12:30PM, beginning May 27, 2025
To join a waiting list for a location not listed, or to ask about joining a group already in progress, please contact us using the form below.
Make a Gift
To support the YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program and other programs that encourage healthy living, please consider making a donation.
DONATE NOW
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How To Enroll
Please complete the form below and a member of our team will reach out to you about enrolling in the program.
Alternatively, you can call the Enrollment Line at 727.235.6472.
