Parkview Health will conduct free blood sugar testing at the Parkview Center for Healthy Living in the Parkview Warsaw YMCA. The test will be Feb. 26 from 6 to 10 a.m., according to a press release from Kosciusko Community YMCA. Contact 260-672-6500 to register. The test is a blood glucose test that measures the amount of sugar in your blood over a three month period. Higher sugar or glucose levels in the blood stream indicates an individual’s risk for type 2 diabetes. Those qualifying for a high risk of type 2 diabetes will be connected with information about the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program. The YMCA of Greater Fort Wayne is offering the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program in Kosciusko County through the Kosciusko Community Y. By participating in the program, participants can reduce their risk for type 2 diabetes while gaining tools for healthy living, the release states. The program helps those at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles by eating healthier, increasing physical activity and losing a modest amount of weight in order to reduce their chances of developing the disease. Based on research funded by the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the program reduces the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 58 percent, the release states. 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 over the course of 16 one-hour sessions. Topics covered include healthier eating, getting started with physical activity, overcoming stress, staying motivated and more. After the initial 16 core sessions, participants meet monthly for added support to help them maintain their progress. For more information and to see if people qualify, contact Stacy Thomas at sthomas@kcymca.org or 574-269-9622 or stop by the Parkview Warsaw YMCA on Mariners Drive. Classes start March 3 at 5:30 p.m.
