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Testimonials

Donna N. – Ft. Wayne, IN

I don’t remember a life without diabetes and an awareness of my potential for diagnosis. I watched as my grandparents, mother, aunts, uncles and cousins struggled with the disease--and while experience was a great lesson, the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program was the first education course to truly impact me.

My life has been so positively impacted that several friends want to know what I’m doing that is working so well for me. The straightforward, simple preventative approach of counting calories, decreasing fat and increasing activity is easy to follow. It is put into easy-to-understand concepts that help me to focus on achieving a goal of lifestyle balance.

I used to lay awake at night and try to figure out how to lose weight and lower my risk of getting diabetes. Thanks to the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program, I now know what to do, am doing it, and am experiencing success.

“Thank you” is not enough to say, but it will have to do. Thank you.

John S. – Stone Mountain, GA

I learned I was borderline diabetic, and I knew I needed to do something about it. I was looking for a program with real interaction among other people facing the same struggle. Recently, I lost more than 50 pounds, and I accomplished this with the help of the Decatur Family Y and the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program. 

When I started the program, I was at 342 pounds. Currently, I weigh 290 pounds, a 13 percent decrease in my weight. At age 51, this program and the weight I’ve lost have made me a more confident person.

Eating smaller portions was difficult at first, because I’m a food guy. I really enjoy eating food, but this program taught me about nutrition and helped me establish a habit of eating healthier foods that I enjoy. I am more confident with meal planning and consumption, and I’m not mindlessly eating anymore.

This whole experience is having a positive effect on my family. I am able to engage more with my 16-year-old son and be a role model for him. For the first time, he’s eating and enjoying nutritious foods. He learned that healthy eating is important for everyone.

The YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program changed my life. I am balancing my life better and am altogether healthier, happier and more confident.

Marilyn N. – Seattle, WA

This program has made a huge difference in my life.  My blood pressure and cholesterol are back down where they are supposed to be. I have more energy. I want to do everything I can to stay on track and to keep myself motivated. 

I feel good about the fact that I am taking charge of my health and am doing what I can to be healthy. This is really important to me at a time when health care is so expensive.

This program did wonders for me and I know it can help other people as well. 

Nancy R. – New York City, NY

I feel healthier–-terrific even-–and friends tell me I look great. I’ve changed the way I cook for myself and my daughter, and now [she] is checking the packaging on foods, taking smaller portions for dessert and making wiser food decisions.

I’m now doing something that is positive for both of us, and I want to tell everyone about it.

Paula W. – Boise, ID

I have lost 65 pounds over the last two years on my own, but then I just stopped losing anything: I worked out but still nothing was working. My blood pressure was still high, I was overweight and my age all put me at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. 

I learned about the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program through a staff email at work.  I fit the requirements so I thought it couldn’t hurt to try.

I learned that I was eating over 100 grams of fat and over 2,500 calories a day.  I have had some ups and downs, but have learned a lot about myself and my eating habits. I can eat healthy and still be happy. I know how to read labels on food to find out what is good for me and what is not. My achievements in the program are how I feel about myself, how great I have done and will continue to do.

Paula W. – Phoenix, AZ

This YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program has helped me to focus on what is important for a healthy lifestyle; this includes smart food choices, weight control and exercise.  It has also helped me to stay on track over the long haul with small changes that will make a difference in my overall health.  If you are serious about improving your health and want to take the time to make changes, I highly recommend this program.

Todd H. -  Phoenix, AZ

When I started this class I had been trying to lose weight and get into better shape, but did not seem to have success. I had started riding my bicycle to work again, but was not seeing the results I had expected. I was riding 3 days a week, 7 miles each way and did not lose any weight. I knew much of what I should be doing, but was not following much of anything. Stress at work was really crazy, along with stress raising and providing for a spouse and 5 kids.

I started to program at 305 pounds and doing some activity, but not as much as I needed. I was not controlling the amount of food I ate, and I did eat a lot of fast food meals.

The program has helped me to reinforce much of what I already knew.  It also gave me the ability to progress towards a more healthy and happy lifestyle.

I have a lot more energy now and able to be more active with my kids. I enjoy riding my bike, swimming, walking and other activities. It has been a great help to me and I look forward to the rest of the classes and then maintaining this healthy lifestyle in the years to come.

Valerie R. – Ft. Wayne, IN

Truth be told, I was a bit apprehensive about participating in the small-group discussion setting of the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program. However, after just a few sessions, I was sold on the idea and felt a responsibility to myself and to my group to make progress. The goals were well-defined and attainable.

I was surprised at how much new information I gained and how I looked forward to hearing the opinions and the actions suggested by the group.
I could write a chapter about how much I learned; the lessons made quite an impression on me. The three simple mantras of the class--calories, fat, and activity-- became so ingrained that I could actually handle the lifestyle changes.

I appreciate the fact that there are maintenance sessions and that my doctor was informed of the Y’s efforts in this area. He is looking forward to seeing some progress in my weight and blood sugar levels the next time I visit his office, and I look forward to sharing my results.

Wade H. – Seattle, WA

I was one cheeseburger away from carrying 265 pounds on 5’10’’ frame.  When I saw the flyer for the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program, it was pretty much calling my name. In the Y’s program, you give and get encouragement and motivation from others as you learn practical ways to take control of your health. Not only do I work out every day at the Y, it’s become my social scene.

I’m grateful that I saw the flyer and made that first call. I felt supported right away. I can’t speak highly enough about all of the staff: I owe them a great deal. They’ve not only helped me improve my life, they’ve helped me prolong it.

These days, it just feels good to be alive.