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(MINOT, ND) – The Trinity Health Center for Diabetes Education will offer its lifestyle intervention program, Weigh 2 Change, starting with a pair of informational sessions April 17.
Weigh 2 Change is a yearlong, evidenced-based program that helps people make positive lifestyle changes aimed at improving health and preventing type 2 diabetes. Based on the National Diabetes Prevention Program established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the program incorporates key elements recommended by the CDC, including nutritional and exercise counseling, group support, and the use of trained lifestyle coaches.
‘The way to delay or prevent diabetes is through weight loss and increased physical activity, which are two key components in this program,’ explained clinical dietitian Michelle Fundingsland, RDN, LRD, who leads the program. ‘It’s a one-year commitment, which might seem extensive, but our goal is to promote lasting lifestyle changes, which don’t happen overnight.’
About 86 million people in the U.S. have prediabetes ñ defined by the CDC as a person with a blood sugar level higher than normal, but not high enough for a diagnosis of diabetes. Risk factors include being overweight, inactivity, and having a family history of diabetes. Research shows that people can lower their risk for type 2 diabetes 58% by losing 7% of their body weight and exercising moderately 30 minutes a day, five days a week.
Prior to committing to the program, participants are invited to attend one of two free informational sessions called ‘Session Zero’ meetings, where people learn about the program. Two Session Zero meetings will be held Tuesday, April 17, at 12 noon and 4 p.m. in the Trinity Health Community Conference Room at Town & Country Center.
‘People who attend this session will complete a readiness-to-change questionnaire to help them determine whether the program is right for them,’ Fundingsland said. ‘The questionnaire will ask things like ñ are you ready, do you have time for this, are you ready to make a change in terms of eating and physical activity?’

To participate in Weigh 2 Change, participants must meet the following criteria:

• At risk for, or have, prediabetes
• At least 18 years of age
• Overweight
• Do not currently have diabetes
• Not pregnant

People who decide to commit to the program and are not covered by Medicare will be charged a fee of $220, which covers educational sessions and materials for the entire year. For more information, call the Trinity Health Center for Diabetes Education at 857-5268.