Diabetes Prevention

You Can Prevent Type 2 Diabetes

86 Million American Adults have prediabetes, you could be one of them.

ExercisABILITIES is Preventing Type 2 Diabetes with a proven program from the CDC called the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP). During the DPP, our dietitian Laurie Brengman, RD/LN will help you to lose 5-7% of your current weight while changing your lifestyle to support better eating, more activity, and improved health reports!

Classes start quarterly. To register, go to wellconnectsemn.org or call our office. No physician referral is required and most insurances will pay for the full year program plus one more year of maintenance meetings if you qualify – see below. Each cohorts first year has 26 one hour sessions. You will met weekly for the first 4 months, then 2 times per month for 2 months, and then monthly after that.
ExercisABILITIES is a CDC Recognized program as well as an approved Medicare DPP site. Regular attendance is required as well as a goal attainment of 5% weight loss in the first 6 months to remain qualified.

Because ExercisABILITIES believes that it is a combination of diet and exercise that will lead to improved health, we offer free access to exercise equipment with a free gym pass and a learn to be fit class 2 days per week, Monday and Wednesday, from 5-6pm during the first year of the program.

“Small changes can add up to a big difference,” added Laurie Brengman, Dietitian and DPP Lifestyle coach at ExercisABILITIES. “Working with a trained lifestyle coach who provides guidance, DPP participants are making lasting changes together.”
Most insurances cover this in full if you meet the below qualifications. Call us to check. Copays and deductibles may apply. You may also pay privately $750 for the entire year (due at initiation) if your insurance will not cover the program or you do not fit in the qualifications. No Physician referral required for any insurance coverage– You may self-refer.<span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span>

Qualifications for insurance coverage:

You must be 18 years or older.
You cannot be previously diagnosed with Type I or Type II Diabetes.
You must have a BMI > 24 (>22 if asian).

Find your BMI

And at least one of the following in the past year (need a copy of the Lab report on file):

HbA1C: 5.7% – 6.4%
Fasting plasma glucose 100-125 mg/dL
2 hour plasma glucose (after a 75 gm glucose load): 140-190 mg/dL
Previous diagnosis of gestational diabetes (Not an allowed qualification for Medicare)

– Additional Options –

Take The Test(PDF)
To see if you may qualify. You will need blood tests for most insurances.

Download a Brochure(PDF)

To learn more about the Prevent Type 2 Diabetes Prevention Program.

Or, visit the CDC’s website for more information.

When I first heard about this program, I was hesitant due to the gym workouts in a group setting. I have joined gyms in the past and I have never felt comfortable in that environment. I reluctantly signed up and it turned out to be a great decision. Not only have I benefited from the sessions with Dietician (at times Life Coach), Laurie; but I have found a place that I feel comfortable working out. I have learned how to read a food label, make healthier choices and ways to cope with work and life stress without stuffing food in my face.

The DPP has helped me lose 30 pounds and 6 inches so far; however, I am the proudest of my increased stamina over these last months. At my 3-month assessment, my heart rate at the end of 10 minutes on the treadmill was lower than after 2 minutes when I started. In general I feel so much better. I would recommend this program (in fact I have in two cases in the last few weeks) to friends and co-workers. The DPP program is providing me with tools to keep working on improving my health through diet and exercise.

– Participant of DPP Program