Diabetes Prevention Program
Take control of your health
in-person program coming to West Y fall 2026
More than 1 million adults in Michigan live with diabetes, and many others are unknowingly pre-diabetic. Forming healthy habits can be hard without a support system. We’re here to give you the encouragement you need to eat better, increase your physical activity and lose weight — all of which can delay or prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes. Learn more about our YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program.
About The Program
YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program is based on the landmark Diabetes Prevention Program funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which showed that by eating healthier, increasing physical activity, and losing a small amount of weight, a person with pre-diabetes can prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes by 58%.
Meeting either in person or online, a trained lifestyle coach helps program participants change their lifestyles by learning about healthy eating, physical activity, and other behavior changes over the course of 16 one-hour sessions. Topics covered include nutrition, getting started with physical activity, overcoming stress, staying motivated, and more. After the initial core sessions, participants will meet monthly for up to a year for added support to help them maintain their progress.
The program is ideal for adults (18+) who:
- Have a BMI of 25 or more
- Had diabetes during pregnancy OR
- Have certain lab values
Not sure if you qualify? Take a quick risk assessment.
Creating a Healthier Michigan Together
Michigan YMCAs, supported by the Muskegon YMCA and the State Alliance of Michigan YMCAs, have served more than 1,800 participants. Local YMCA partners help bring this program to communities all over the state.
How the program works
We help you make healthy changes step by step:
- Year-long program: 16 weekly sessions, then every two weeks, then once a month
- Support and Coaching: Trained Coaches guide discussions and support you every step of the way
- Flexible options: Join in person or online
- Cost: This program may be covered by sponsorships, grants, employers, insurance coverage and self-pay. We work to make sure everyone who qualifies can join.
How to get started
- Contact us to learn about upcoming sessions
- Take a risk assessment or check your BMI or lab results
- Sign up for a group that fits your schedule—morning, afternoon, evening, in person, or online
- Start your journey to better health
START TODAY
Take control of your health with the YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program.