New Orleans residents can sign up for free diabetes prevention classes in three neighborhoods, with five spots still open in the New Orleans East cohort.
New Orleans Health and Human Services is enrolling residents in its 12-month Diabetes Prevention Program. The program is designed to help adults at increased risk of Type 2 diabetes take steps to prevent or delay the disease.
The program will offer cohorts in New Orleans East, Central City and Algiers. The New Orleans East cohort meets at noon starting Oct. 19 at Joe Brown Recreation Center, 5601 Read Blvd. Five spots remain.
Classes at the HCH Conference Room at Edna Pilsbury Health Center, 2222 Simon Bolivar Ave., in Central City, and Morris Jeff Recreation Center, formerly Behrman Park, 2529 General Meyer Ave., in Algiers, will begin once at least 10 people enroll. Start dates have not been announced.
The program includes 22 in-person sessions led by certified lifestyle coaches. Participants learn about nutrition, physical activity, weight and stress management, and building healthy habits. Sessions start weekly, move to every other week and finish monthly.
The program is designed for adults who have been told they have prediabetes, have an A1C level between 5.7% and 6.4%, have other risk factors for Type 2 diabetes or want support making lasting lifestyle changes.
Prediabetes often has no clear symptoms, according to medical experts. The city estimates that 144,862 adults in New Orleans have prediabetes and are at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. More than 80% may not know they have it.
“Preventing type 2 diabetes starts with giving people the information, support, and resources they need to take action early,” said Lacie Tillman, chronic disease program manager. She said the neighborhood cohorts make it easier for residents to get support close to home.
Residents can complete an interest form at nola.gov/DPP, call Dr. Yolanda Cavalier at 504-658-8916 or visit New Orleans Health and Human Services on the eighth floor of City Hall. Space is limited.
READ MORE:New Orleans opens enrollment for diabetes prevention classes
